Witches' Marks Discovered at Gainsborough Old Hall

A 'staggering array' of apotropaic or 'witches marks' were discovered at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, England, revealing historical attempts to protect against evil spirits. These marks, found by volunteer Rick Berry and mapped over two years, include hexafoils, overlapping 'V' shapes known as Marian marks, pentangles, and around 100 burn marks, believed to trap demons, call on the Virgin Mary, and protect against fire. Notably, some marks feature 'curse' inscriptions, with William Hickman's name etched upside down, a practice believed to curse the individual, highlighting his unpopularity during his ownership from 1596. The findings, announced by English Heritage, coincide with Halloween and are among the most identified at any of the charity's sites, underscoring the hall's rich and tumultuous history. The hall's architecture, dating back to the 15th century, hosted historical figures like King Richard III and Henry VIII, contributing to its storied past.