Researchers have uncovered “witches marks” and other ritual carvings at Gainsborough Old Hall, a historic medieval manor in Lincolnshire, England.

Discovered during two years of research by volunteer Rick Berry, approximately 20 carvings were catalogued, mainly in the servants’ wing.

The marks include protective symbols such as a pentangle, overlapping V’s known as Marian marks, and hexafoils, as well as rare curse inscriptions, one featuring the name of former owner William Hickman written upside down.

Additionally, there were 100 burn marks believed to protect against fire, NPR has reported.

English Heritage officials expressed surprise at the discovery, noting the manor’s tumultuous history and the mystery behind the high concentration of protective markings.

Written by B.C. Begley