Anyway, the marks are a very clear example of the type. I took these photos on my mobile phone last Sunday.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
Apotropaic marks, Tithe Barn, Bradford-on-Avon
Anyway, the marks are a very clear example of the type. I took these photos on my mobile phone last Sunday.
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4 comments:
Hi Yvonne,
As an archaeologist I have come across the daisy wheel symbol in several buildings from wales to Kent, including some carved into an old barn in somerset which even the farmer hadn't noticed before (they are surrounded by later tally marks so he never paid them much heed). I have always understood them to be, as you point out in your blog, protective symbols, carved to keep home or harvest safe from spirits or evil influences. I wonder if anyone has ever done any comprehensive research into how many structures still survive with these markings on them and how widespread it was? It certainly seems to have covered at least the south-west to south-east of Britain. I have also seen them carved onto 'practise' stone blocks from a dismantled abbey, also in Kent.
Tracey,
i look at Daisy Wheels quite a lot here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74752096@N00/sets/72157622754659518/with/4083635296/
do get in touch!
:)
I've worked at a few heritage sites with daisy wheels. I understand that you find them near windows, doors and chimneys - places where witches and evil spirits can enter a building...witch sees it and backs off pdq.
Also locally at Lacock Abbey and Tithe Barn.
Yes I have a photo of the one at Lacock somewhere, must dig it out!
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