Witch's mark discovered on door at Hardwick Hall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 16:03 · Archive

A visitor has discovered a faint circular engraving, known as a witch's mark, on a wooden door at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.

A visitor to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire has discovered a faint circular engraving on a 16th-century wooden door in a quiet, dimly lit corridor. The National Trust, which owns the stately home, says the intricate design is a ritual protection symbol, known as an apotropaic marking, believed to protect occupants from evil spirits. Such symbols were typically carved in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Liz Waring, curator at Hardwick Hall, said the discovery was made by an 'eagle-eyed' visitor and noted that the mark is different to other mason's marks already found in the hall. The newly discovered witch's mark had previously gone unnoticed because of the low lighting in that part of the building. Waring said: 'This new discovery provides a topical and timely reminder that Bess of Hardwick's house continues to surprise.'

The stately home was built by Bess of Hardwick, one of the most influential people of Elizabethan England, in the late 16th century. Waring added that Hardwick Hall 'is full of stories, secrets, and treasures' and 'never ceases to surprise us'.

How it is being reported

• Historic witch's mark discovered at stately homeThe National Trust says the faint engraving on a door is a ritual protection symbol.BBC Derbyshire · 15 Oct, 15:30
• Historic witch's mark is discovered by visitor to Hardwick Hall in lead-up to HalloweenSuch symbols were carved in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect occupants from evil spirits.Derbyshire Times · 15 Oct, 12:42

In this story: Hardwick Hall · Bess of Hardwick · National Trust · Derbyshire

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