This photograph shows a carving of a double V ritual mark. This stands for Virgo Virginum – Virgin of Virgins – i.e. the Virgin Mary. It is not uncommon and is used on a wide variety of building materials and locations as a charm to ward off evil spirits and invoke good luck on the dwelling.*
*Information from a signboard in the Weald & Downland Living Museum
Well, I never knew that. I have seen the mark at times but have never considered the significance of it.
This is the first time I have seen this particular mark, although I have seen other marks in many buildings that I have visited.
thank you for that info, CP. i do not think i saw it.
It is the first time I have noticed this particular marking. Probably because it is the first time it has been pointed out in a place that I have visited.
Does the Museum give any evidence for the meaning? Are there alternative interpretations, such as ‘W (William) was ‘ere’?
The museum didn’t explain this particular marking further, it did however mention it in context with other markings which are commonly known as ‘witch markings’. Markings to ward off evil.
This is the first time I have seen this particular symbol pointed out. There are many online articles that explain the markings. The following is a good one which includes the Marian symbols:
http://www.aalhs.co.uk/2016/10/19/witch-marks/
Oh I thought it stood for Weald…
Wearly…
I have never knowingly seen one of these symbols, Cherie – I will certainly be looking out for them
It was a first for me too. I will be on the lookout for them now!
Wonderful – I read about Witch protection marks in a book on Medieval Graffitti and have been looking for them everywhere without much success so far!
I have seen a few here and there but not this particular marking.
I usually have to have them pointed out to me before I see them.
wow this is quite an informative post dear Cherie!
sacred signs!
There are lots of sacred signs in our old buildings but this is one I had not come across before.