The use of markings on the building fabric or hidden objects, with the apparent aim of protecting the building and its inhabitants.
Related categories 1
Sites 4
- Deliberately Concealed Garments Project The Textile Conservation Centre at the University of Southampton explores the folk tradition of concealing objects in the fabric of buildings. Includes a database of garment finds.
- BBC: Artefact Recalls Witches' Shadow A "witch bottle" dated to c.1830 is discovered buried in foundations in the Lincolnshire village of Navenby.
- Current Archaeology: How to Kill a Witch An illustrated article on witch bottles and their use, in particular one found buried in a ruined house at Reigate, just south of London.
- Apotropaios Brian Hoggard describes and explains the history of house protection magic in Britain. Photographs of artefacts are presented and explanations for their use discussed.