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Historic witch's mark discovered on a 16th-century door at Hardwick Hall
Overview
A visitor at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire has discovered a historic ritual protection symbol, known as a witch's mark or apotropaic marking, on a 16th-century wooden door. The faint, intricate circular design went previously unnoticed due to low lighting in a quiet corridor of the Elizabethan mansion, which is owned by the National Trust.
Key points
- A historic witch's mark has been found on a 16th-century wooden door at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.
- The faint engraving features an intricate circular design and serves as a ritual protection symbol (apotropaic marking).
- An alert visitor spotted the mark in a quiet, dimly lit corridor of the stately home.
- The National Trust stated that the mark previously went unnoticed due to the low lighting in that area of the building.