Taper burn mark
Scorch marks on early modern house beams
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Taper burn marks are deep flame shaped scorch marks often found on the timber beams of early modern houses.[1] They were once 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]
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]
