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A British castle has uncovered a "staggering number" of "witch marks."

Around 20 carved ritual symbols and inscriptions, including rare curses, have been discovered at Gainsborough Old Hall. Among the findings are symbols intended for protection against demons, signs associated with the Virgin Mary, and the inverted name of the castle's owner.
В британском замке обнаружили "поразительное количество" "ведьминских символов".

A "staggering number" of "carved rituals" and "witch marks" have been discovered at a heritage site in the UK, reports UNN citing the BBC.

Details

English Heritage stated that the discovery of the markings at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire was "one of the most notable" among all 400 sites.

Approximately 20 carved images were found etched into the walls, some of which are believed to trap demons and invoke the Virgin Mary for protection.

Kevin Booth, head of fundraising for the charity, remarked: "It is astonishing that after centuries, these remarkable historic homes in our care still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered."

For the past two years, English Heritage volunteer Rick Berry has been mapping the carvings on the Tudor property.

His research uncovered "rare cursed inscriptions" that English Heritage believes were made around the time when William Hickman owned Gainsborough Old Hall. One of the inscriptions features Hickman's name written upside down.

Gainsborough Old Hall was sold to London merchant William Hickman in 1596.

English Heritage asserts: "It was believed that distorting a name curses the person."

According to the charity, this curse had not previously been noted on any of its sites.

Berry also found markings in the servants' wing.

English Heritage stated that there were "inscriptions believed to trap demons, and signs of Mary, which some think invoke the Virgin Mary for protection," as well as a pentagram.

"Despite modern connotations, it was originally used to ward off evil," the organization notes.

Gainsborough Old Hall was built by Sir Thomas Burgh between 1460 and 1480. In addition to the carvings, around 100 scorch marks were found in the hall.

English Heritage mentioned that it was once thought these marks provided protection against fire.

However, the reason why so many protective carved marks exist in the Old Hall remains a mystery, Booth noted.

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