Historian debunks 'witches' marks' claims at English heritage sites

Architectural historian Jennifer Alexander of Warwick University has published a study arguing that so-called 'witches' marks' or 'ritual protection symbols' found on historic English buildings are actually stonemasons' training marks. In her book 'Stonemasons' Marks' (Routledge, 2026), Alexander contends that symbols like daisy wheels (hexafoils) are practical geometry exercises, not apotropaic signs. She told the Guardian there is 'absolutely no evidence' of mystical meanings. English Heritage had previously claimed a 'staggering array' of such marks at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, and Historic England ran a public appeal in 2016 to hunt for witches' marks. Alexander argues that marks on the 14th-century Tithe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, indicate it was used as a schoolroom or mason's training shop. Both English Heritage and Historic England welcomed the debate, with English Heritage stating they 'look forward to seeing where future research leads.' Alexander's book was released ahead of the International Medieval Congress in Leeds.