Taper burn mark

Taper burn marks are deep flame shaped scorch marks often found on the timber beams of early modern houses.[1] They were originally thought to have been accidental scorches from a taper candle, but research suggests that most marks may have been made deliberately, as there is clear patterning of the activity.[2] They are theorised to have been made as part of a folk superstition, then thought to protect the building from fire and lightning.[1]

Taper burn marks in Haddon Hall, England.
Taper burn marks in Haddon Hall, England.

They are often found around entrances to the home such as fireplaces, doors and windows.[3]

Over 80 such marks have been discovered in the Tower of London.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Taper Burns". Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  2. John, Dean; Hill, Nick (12 December 2014). "Burn marks on buildings: accidental or deliberate?". Vernacular Architecture. 45 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1179/0305547714Z.00000000021.
  3. "Candle Burn Marks. Deliberate or Accidental?". Beam Clean Restore. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  4. "Protecting the Tower of London from evil spirits". MOLA. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2017.


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