About this episode

The episode explores the origins of the Scottish witch hunts initiated by James VI, influenced by a storm and a coerced queen's signature.

In the late 1500s a man sails across the North Sea. He’s battered by wind and wave. The sea seems angry, almost furious at him. He thinks it must be more than just a bad storm. It must be supernatural. This man is James VI, the King of Scotland and son of Queen Mary of Scots. The tempest instils in him a paranoia and hatred that sparks one of the earliest witch trials in British history. Author Kate Forsyth (The Changeling) sits down with Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) and tells him how the epic tale of the Scottish witch hunts began with a coerced queen’s signature that set into motion a reign of terror that continued for over a century and still reaches into our lives today. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Kate Forsyth

Topics covered

• witch hunts
• Scottish history
• James VI
• Queen Mary of Scots
• paranoia
• supernatural

Keywords

• witch trials
• Scottish witch hunts
• James VI
• Queen Mary of Scots
• history
• paranoia
• supernatural

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

More episodes of No One Saw It Coming

• Escaped the Nazis and lost by Australia · July 19, 2026 · 26 min
• An 11-year-old sent us on a mission... · July 5, 2026 · 26 min
• The secret Aussie plant that saved D-Day · June 28, 2026 · 26 min
• Grapefruits vs Apartheid · June 21, 2026 · 26 min
• History’s favourite sex toys · June 14, 2026 · 26 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the No One Saw It Coming podcast page.