On the 9th of
March 2016 I travelled to Sheffield for a talk on so called Witch Marks. In
this case, not marks made by witches or even those made by the Devil and placed
on witches. No, these were marks made to deter witches and to defend against
witchcraft. Having seen a rather fine example of the ‘daisy’ form at Little
Moreton Hall in Cheshire, placed opposite the fireplace to prevent witches from
entering the building down it, I found this subject to be of personal interest.
The talk, ‘Scribbles, Scorch
Marks and Scribed Symbols’ was to be given by Andy Bentam at Bishops’ House.
This charming, quaint Tudor, wood framed building is situated in Meersbrook
Park of Norton Lees and is something of a little known treasure. An historical
and aesthetic gem. The area itself is now a suburb of Sheffield but was only a
few centuries ago, part of northern Derbyshire.
The building dates from the
early sixteenth century and is a two story farmstead type building, not as grand
as Little Moreton Hall but far above that of a peasant’s cottage. This was the
home of a yeomanry family, landholding farmers that would eventually join the
gentry and receive a grant of arms. This family of early owners were called
Blythe. A remarkable local family that served at the Tudor court, produced two
bishops in the form of two brothers. One brother became Bishop of Salisbury and
Chancellor of Cambridge University, the other became Bishop of Lichfield,
Coventry and Chester. High flyers indeed.
Arriving with friends from
Sheffield, I was able to view the house in the semi darkness and standing on
the hill, look across the city, lit up as it was on a clear night. Stepping
inside we met up with friends from Nottingham, although there was some confusion
here. One of my friends habitually travels with his Bengal and for a few
moments, there was a discussion as to whether this qualified or not as a
disabled companion animal. Once the guide cat was accepted however, we were
able to enter and view the building.
The interior of the house is
sparse to allow room for events but has exhibits of a local interest situated
on both floors. This includes a room set up for a meal, a scold’s bridle upstairs and some attractive seventeenth century furniture. The timber framing
and other items of interest, would form a subject for part of the talk.
Andy Bentam is a Peak Park
Ranger and in the course of his work in the Peak District, he has come across
many unusual marks left on the woodwork of several medieval and Tudor
buildings. This fired his interest, encouraging him to begin documenting their
occurrence in Derbyshire and the border counties of the Peak District.
This short but highly
informative slideshow presentation, barely touched the surface that could have
been explored. It was a taster, an overview of the fascinating apotropaic
activities across the nearby Peakland. I could have listened to this man for
hours and delved further into this ‘enchanting’ subject, the slides and his
commentary were an absolute delight. Never before had I realised that such
treasures lay hidden on my doorstep. Although admittedly and unfortunately,
many are not accessible to the public. Mr Bentam’s professional activities gain
him access to halls and houses, which your average member of the National Trust
is not privy to.
Mr Bentam explained with
obvious enthusiasm, that these apotropaic markings are divided broadly into two
forms, although these two broad divisions can be divided further by the
experts. In the basic form the two types are either of a straight line, scored
in the wood or an actual graphic design, usually a daily or sun wheel. However,
neither is easily identifiable in all cases and those consisting of straight
lines are sometimes confused with construction marks and obviously, visa versa.
Indeed that last point was
very important. Many construction and levelling marks can be found on the
timber frames of building of this age. They were a common and necessary part of
the building process. A timber frame would often be assembled and adjusted at a
builder’s yard, the marks identified up and down, left, right and which part
joined with another. Later when the frame was erected in situ, these marks
would identify the correct order and assemblage. Rather like a giant flat packed
wardrobe from Ikea. I can only hope that all the parts were there and the
instructions in clear terms.
Many construction marks
consisting as they do, of a series of straight lines, scored on the outer
visible service of the frames, are mistaken for Marion marks. These marks
consist of four lines placed to form the letter M. It is suggested that they
are a charm calling upon the Blessed Virgin for protection. It is important to
note that apotropaic marks habitually date from before the Reformation, they are
of a predominately Catholic meaning and this would obviously include the
crucifix type mark. Sometimes, possibly in representation of the Holy Trinity,
such marks are grouped in a unit of three.
The second form of mark is
the daisy or sun wheel type, often geometrically perfect and formed using the
traditional joiner’s tools. An attractive design that is both reminiscent of
the Pennsylvania Dutch or more correctly, Deutche hex-marks and symbols found
(am I told) in Slavic indigenous religion.
Once the presentation had
ended we were as a group, able to explore the building itself. Bishops’ House
has dozens of visible construction, carpenter’s or builder’s marks. There are
equally of interest to those wishing to view the apotropaic marks, deliberate scorch
marks on some of the doors. It was pointed out to us how clearly, by viewing
the shape of the scorch mark; that they had been made with obvious intent. The
shape suggested a candle had been held close to the wooden surface of the door,
for a considerable length of time. It is believed that such scorch marks were
placed to protect the house from fire and possibly lightning.
Of particular interest were
the daisy marks, as Bishops’ House has on three of the ground floor doors, over
fifty documented examples of these wheels. Many are small and difficult to see,
many others are quite clear and distinct.
My trip was both enjoyable
and educational, I came away with a list of further reading and an appreciation
for the craft of the timber frame builder that I lacked before. I recommend to
anyone visiting Sheffield to call at Bishops’ House if they can, noting that
the Friends of Bishops’ House Trust regularly hold activities, lectures and
displays.
WEBPAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE
An illustrated guide to
Bishops’ House is available from the Friends of Bishops’ House Trust.
