Historic witch's mark discovered at stately home

A historic witch's mark has been discovered on a 16th Century wooden door at a stately home in Derbyshire.

The intricate circular design was found by an "eagle-eyed" visitor on a quiet, dimly lit corridor at Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield.

The National Trust, which owns the site, said the faint engraving was a ritual protection symbol, known as an apotropaic marking.

Liz Waring, curator at Hardwick Hall, said: "This new discovery provides a topical and timely reminder that Bess of Hardwick's house continues to surprise."

The stately home was built by Bess of Hardwick in the late 16th Century.

The Elizabethan mansion already has several mason's marks on its walls carved by the craftsmen who built and worked on the hall.

The newly discovered witch's mark had previously gone unnoticed due to low lighting in that part of the building, the National Trust said, and is different to others already found in the hall.

The charity believes the recent find was designed to protect its occupants.

Waring said: "This find reminds us that there is still so much more to discover about Hardwick.

"As the home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the most influential people of Elizabethan England, Hardwick Hall is full of stories, secrets, and treasures. The hall never ceases to surprise us.

"Its history is dynamic and every discovery allows us to share yet another layer of its past."

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.