26th October 1591

William Little is appointed witch finder

William Little (or Litill) was born in Edinburgh and, in 1560, was one of the founders of the city’s university, to which he donated 276 legal books, previously owned by his late brother. These were the foundation of the University of Edinburgh’s library.

Witch finder

In 1591, Little was appointed a witch finder, in which position he was authorised to interrogate and, if necessary, torture whoever he felt could help him uncover witches in the vicinity.

Little died in November 1601 and his remains were interred in an elaborate stone tomb in Greyfriars Kirkyard, which wasn’t completed until 80 years after his death. Little himself is shown lying along the top of the tomb, with his head propped up on his elbow.