Ryedale Folk Museum is on the hunt for witch marks
Across the country, old buildings bear the marks of history. But the question is, how many marks and signs are in homes and outbuildings across the North York Moors, some known to their owners and some perhaps not?
Among the star items of Ryedale Folk Museum’s brand-new exhibition ‘Believe it or not?’, which explores magical thinking, are two 17th century ‘witch posts’, both marked with a large X or St Andrew’s cross.
“This X design was a well-known protective mark for centuries and the reason that we still cross our fingers for luck,” explains Events Coordinator, Rosie Barrett.
“Our ancestors feared not only witches and their familiars, but also fire and accidents, famine and intruders. To avert a range of threats and dangers, people often engaged in superstitious behaviours, including scratching, carving or even burning protective marks into their homes and outbuildings.”
Another ‘witch post’ can be found in situ at the Museum, in the longhouse Stang End, which was moved from Danby during the 1960s. Staff at Ryedale Folk Museum are currently trying to build up a better picture of how prevalent such posts were.
“If a home has one of these very special posts,” explains Rosie, “it’s likely to be next to the fireplace, although we know of examples that have been reused in other parts of a home.”
Another of Ryedale Folk Museum’s buildings contains evidence of magical ways of thinking.
“On a doorframe in Harome Hall, our manor house, there are a series of ‘daisy wheels’ or ‘hexafoils’, created by overlapping circles to form a petal-like design,” explains Rosie. “But other common protective marks that people might find in their homes include the double V sign for ‘Virgo Virginum’, or an M for Mary, both known as ‘Marian’ marks as they refer to the Virgin Mary. Using her sign was another way to shore up one’s home!”
Finally, mesh-like shapes or hash lines might be found, believed to have formed a ‘trap’ for any evil forces that may enter the home.
If you have information about witch posts or protective marks in your own property, Ryedale Folk Museum would love to hear from you. Please email info@ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk
You can visit Ryedale Folk Museum’s exhibition, ‘Believe it or not?’ until Sunday 17 November. The exhibition received a grant of £9,900 from the National Park’s Local Businesses Tourism Contribution.
The museum is open daily, except Fridays.