Apotropaic Symbols and Other Measures for Protecting Buildings against Misfortune

Abstract

This chapter is based principally on research carried out in the East Anglian county of Suffolk since the early 1970s, but many of the symbols noted here have been seen or reported elsewhere in Britain and abroad. Although most of these symbols are found on domestic buildings such as houses, stables and barns, it is (as said above) to churches that we should look to identify the origins of some of them. A comparison between the marks found in the two types of buildings should help to explain the different uses (or hopes) for which the various symbols were intended. All places referred to are in Suffolk unless otherwise stated. Some examples of symbols are not illustrated here, but there may be a reference to a published article in which they can be seen.