{"id":42139,"date":"2024-11-30T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/6897a106-2e33-4048-87fe-8f558c42d3d8"},"modified":"2024-11-30T07:26:39","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T06:26:39","slug":"these-strange-witches-marks-were-just-discovered-at-a-medieval-manor-house-in-england-but-thats-not-all-that-was-found","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/these-strange-witches-marks-were-just-discovered-at-a-medieval-manor-house-in-england-but-thats-not-all-that-was-found\/","title":{"rendered":"These strange ‘witches marks’ were just discovered at a medieval manor house in England \u2013 but that’s not all that was found"},"content":{"rendered":"

Demon traps and curses: discover which 15th-century British hall is a supernatural fortress\u2026 <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Saturday, 30 November 2024 at 06:00 AM<\/p>

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Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, once graced by Henry VIII and Catherine Howard, has revealed itself as a hotbed of supernatural defence. Thanks to the eagle-eyed efforts of English Heritage volunteer Rick Berry, this 15th-century manor now boasts the most identified ‘witches marks’ of any of the charity\u2019s 400 historic properties.<\/strong><\/p>

Over two years, Berry uncovered around 20 carvings, with a particular concentration in the servants’ wing.<\/p>

These apotropaic marks \u2013 or \u2018witches marks\u2019 \u2013 designed to ward off evil, include everything from rudimentary circles (believed to trap demons) to intricate overlapping ‘V’s, or Marian marks, invoking the Virgin Mary\u2019s protection.<\/p>

Even a pentangle \u2013 historically a shield against evil \u2013 makes an appearance, shedding its modern, sinister reputation.<\/p>

North side of the Great Hall at Gainsborough Old Hall where the ‘witches marks’ were identified\/English Heritage <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
\"Overlapping
Overlapping ‘V’s\/English Heritage <\/figcaption> <\/figure>

“It’s astonishing that, centuries on, the amazing old buildings in our care still have secrets waiting to be discovered,” says Kevin Booth, English Heritage’s Head of Collections.\u00a0<\/p>

“The Old Hall has undoubtedly had a tumultuous past, not least under the ownership of the apparently unpopular William Hickman, but why it’s the scene of quite such a high concentration of protective carvings remains a mystery.”<\/p>

Speaking of Hickman, the research unveiled rare “curse” inscriptions, including his name written upside down \u2013 a practice believed to curse the named person. This discovery is a first for English Heritage sites.<\/p>

But that’s not all \u2013 the hall also boasts about 100 burn marks, once thought to protect against fire.<\/p>

\"Hickman
Hickman Curse\/English Heritage <\/figcaption> <\/figure>

“Rick\u2019s passion for the place has unlocked incredible stories hidden in its walls,\u201d Booth adds, leaving visitors eager to uncover the enigmatic history embedded in this seemingly \u201cprotected\u201d hall.<\/p>

The findings elevate Gainsborough Old Hall<\/a> to the top tier of spooky destinations<\/a>, vying for the title of ‘most haunted’ among English Heritage\u2019s properties, which include sites such as Boscobel House, Bolsover Castle and Deal Castle.<\/p>

\"Writing
Writing still in need of deciphering at Gainsborough\/English Heritage <\/figcaption> <\/figure>

Main image: undeciphered writing at Gainsborough Old Hall\/English Heritage<\/em><\/p>

More stories from around the country<\/strong><\/p>