ONE of the UK’s leading researchers of ‘protective signs’ is returning to Dunster as part of the village’s winter festival to talk about the phenomenon, which is believed to protect residents from evil forces.

Brian Hoggard’s talk ‘Medieval Beliefs in Villages Like Dunster’ will be held in Dunster’s 16th-century Tithe Barn, which itself features protective daisy wheels carved into the inside wall of its main hall.

Protective marks, also known as witches’ marks, anti-witch marks, or apotropaic marks, were long considered to be graffiti, and centuries-old masons’ and carpenters’ marks.

The first academic studies were in the 1980s, with more research in recent decades as scientists and other people began recognising and documenting markings in UK buildings.

Research showed the symbols, including pentangles, the letters ‘M’ for Maria and ‘VV’ for ‘Virgin of Virgins’, daisy wheels, teardrop-shaped burn marks, and circles, were not random scratchings, decorations, or taper burns.

They served up until the 20th century to protect inhabitants, their animals, and possessions from various forms of evil.

Dunster has many examples of protective marks with The Yarn Market, Luttrell Arms Hotel, and Cobblestones Tea Room all featuring burn marks on timber surfaces, while an effigy of Sir Hugh Luttrell inside St George’s Church bears crossed ‘VV’ letters and compass-drawn circles.

Dunster residents have also discovered intriguing marks in their houses - Marian symbols and daisy wheels on window sills, mesh patterns, crosses on locks, and clusters of burn marks on wooden paneling and fireplaces.

Many markings were lost over the years during building renovations and researchers are therefore working to raise awareness for builders and property owners to recognise their historical value and report them to Historic England or their local government archaeological officer.

Tickets at £7 for the talk from 4 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, December 6, are available from the Dunster Winter Festival website.