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No evidence for ‘witches’ marks’ claims at old English buildings, historian says

The Guardian World Thursday 09 July 2026, 05:00 UTC By Dalya Alberge 1 min read
Key Points

Author argues symbols such as daisy wheels are no more than the working marks of stonemasonsOver the years, English Heritage and Historic England have claimed to have identified large numbers of “witches’ marks” or “ritual protection symbols” on the walls of historic buildings, including medieval churches and houses. Now a leading architectural historian has said there is “absolutely no evidence” that these marks have anything to do with witches or any “mystical meanings”.

Author argues symbols such as daisy wheels are no more than the working marks of stonemasons

Over the years, English Heritage and Historic England have claimed to have identified large numbers of “witches’ marks” or “ritual protection symbols” on the walls of historic buildings, including medieval churches and houses.

Now a leading architectural historian has said there is “absolutely no evidence” that these marks have anything to do with witches or any “mystical meanings”.

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English (ORG) English Heritage (ORG) Historic England (LOCATION)
Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

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