Have you heard the latest news about Historic England's Witch Carving Pattern? Numerous people caught hold already of the government agency's appeal for help in searching the so called, Apotropaic Marks. They were completely taken by the announcement. Immediately, they posted the different patterns they can find in their homes, barns, old churches and old buildings.
Help @HistoricEngland uncover #WitchMarks. Does your house have any? https://t.co/HOTB409U67
— Historic Houses Assn (@Historic_Houses) October 31, 2016
The patterns can be dated since Medieval Times, the British agency intended to study them further. The symbols are said to ward off witches and evil spirits; they were engraved in stones and wood works in the building's entrances. Shakespeare's house in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire and the Queen's House in the Tower of London are the most famous location noted with the Witch Carving Pattern.
Historic England's inspector, Nick Molyneux said as noted on The Guardian,"More efficient oil lamps in the 19th century seem finally to have banished witches. We see them from the 16th century on, often in buildings already centuries old, but there could well be earlier and later marks that just haven't been recorded."
According to Huffington Post, the patterns will look like a five-pointed star, VV Virgin's symbol, or AM Ave Maria symbolism. The Sun added that they could also look like, a six-petalled flower inside a compass: Daisy Wheel, a five-pointed star: Pentangles or a two interwoven loops: Solomon's Knot.
Historic England had wanted to study the Witch Carving Pattern; they can give new insights into history. It is the way people lived their everyday lives, looking through them can further what we know.The Week reports on Duncan Wilson, the chief executive of Historic England: "Witches' marks are a physical reminder of how our ancestors saw the world. They really fire the imagination and can teach us about previously held beliefs and common ritual,".
Here are the some of the people's answer to the quest:
Example of one of the many #witchmarks carved into doors @BishopsHouse find out more @curious_house_ exhibition! pic.twitter.com/bo8AumQqaA
— Louise Finney (@LouiseFinney1) April 15, 2016
Carved #Witchmarks ? church porch in Llanafan Fawr opposite the oldest pub in Powys - probably repositioned pic.twitter.com/DA4q8Hub9p — Kate Innes (@kateinnes2) October 31, 2016
Not sure about these marks on an old beam in my house built 1735. Could they be #witchmarks ? pic.twitter.com/xxI9OZNrw1
— Mark Breeze (@MarkyB_62) October 31, 2016
Some #witchmarks at @RoyalScotAcad today @HistoricEngland @BBC_HaveYourSay https://t.co/VDqT3G9BRK https://t.co/JcDRbh6NRG pic.twitter.com/mF35jJrY1o — Society Scottish Art (@SocietyScotArt) October 31, 2016
Apotropaic marks made for James I in 1606 at Knole https://t.co/lPza4RAqgE #witchmarks #abitBlairWitchy
— Children'sPolyOlbion (@PetitPolyOlbion) November 10, 2014
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