LETTER OF THE MONTH
Within these walls
The story of a bricklayer placing a pound coin in the wall of a reader’s home (Letters, October) is an example of centuries-old apotropaic magic – intended to deter evil spirits. It’s exemplified in everyday actions such as crossing fingers and knocking on wood, or in displaying or secreting items.
In ancient Rome, human and animal bones or pots of food and drink were used as foundation sacrifices. Horseshoes nailed above doorways are still common sights.
In 2016, a man’s shoe was found within a wall in St John’s College, Cambridge; it’s thought to have been placed there as a lucky charm in the 17th or 18th century. Northampton Museum has an index of almost 3,000 shoes discovered in
