'Witch marks' found in remains of ancient United Kingdom church
It's believed the markings ward off evil spirits. Supplied: HS2 Ltd
Archeologists have discovered several "witch marks" in the remains of a medieval United Kingdom church.
The discovery was made in 700-year-old church St Mary, in Stoke Mandeville, as archaeologists prepared for "HS2", a planned high speed railway in the UK.
The ancient graffiti consists of a drilled hole, enclosed in a circle with lines radiating from the centre.
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One example of the 'witch marks' was found low down in the west buttress close to ground level. Supplied: HS2 Ltd
It's believed the markings ward off evil spirits. Supplied: HS2 Ltd
While experts haven't ruled out the possibility the marks are a sundial, historians who studied the markings deemed them to be "witch marks", intended to ward of evil spirits by trapping them in an endless maze.
Michael Court, lead archaeologist at the company behind the rail project, HS2 Ltd, said the markings offer a "fascinating insight into the past" at a site that has long been lost to history.
"The archaeology work being undertaken as part of the HS2 project is allowing us to reveal years of heritage and British history and share it with the world," Mr Court said in a statement.
"Discoveries such as these unusual markings have opened up discussions as to their purpose and usage."
A CG rendering of what St Mary's might have looked like 700 years ago. (Picture credit score: HS2 Ltd) Supplied: HS2 Ltd
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