Witchknowe Park
Witchknowe Park is a park and historic site in Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland.
| Witchknowe Park | |
|---|---|
Whichknowe Park entrance from Hope Street | |
Interactive map of Witchknowe Park | |
| Type | Parkland |
| Location | Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°01′31″N 3°24′10″W / 56.025342°N 3.402687°W |
| Operated by | Fife Council |
| Open | 24/7 |
History
In the 17th century, dozens of so-called witches were likely burned alive at Witchknowe, part of which is the current park. According to records at Inverkeithing Parish Church, at least 51 people were tried and executed for witchcraft in Inverkeithing between 1621 and 1652.[1][2]
The word Witchknowe is a reference to the executions of people accused of witchcraft and the hilly topography of the site, known as a knowe in the Scots language.[3]
During the Victorian era, much of the park was built on.[1] In 1902, a section of Witchknowe park was taken for the erection of St Peter's Episcopal Church.[4]
References
- ^ a b "How a small Fife town became a '˜hotbed of witch-finding and punishing'". The Scotsman. 2018-08-13. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ Punter, Glasgow (2019-10-27). "Glasgow Punter: Fife Pilgrim Way - Part 1B - North Queensferry to Dunfermline". Glasgow Punter. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "Dictionaries of the Scots Language:: DOST :: know n". Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ "St Peter's Episcopal Church, Inverkeithing | Places of Worship in Scotland". powis.scot. Retrieved 2026-02-26.