Showing posts with label Haddon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haddon. Show all posts

Friday, October 31, 2025

Magic at Haddon Hall

 The exhibition Magic at Haddon Hall tells the story of rituals, charms and superstitions in Elizabethan England.

In the courtyard were displays of superstitions we know of today.  Things we think will bring bad luck.

Things like - never walk under ladders, never put new shoes on the table, don't put up an umbrella indoors, touching wood, black cats crossing your path and throwing salt over the left shoulder if any is spilt.


In the main hall are displays about witch marks, broomsticks, things kept or done for protection against evil spirits and the saving of lucky charms.




The kitchen displays tell of the magic surrounding apples in Elizabethan times.  





All around the house are details of the way Elizabethan (and I assume those before and after) people dealt with their fears and superstitions.

In the Long Gallery details of 'witches' - often just wise and capable women - and the way they were treated.
 




The rooms adjacent to the main hall dealt with the themes of lotions and potions, poisons and herbs for healing, the fear of some birds and animals who were thought to bring bad luck.







Apologies for some of the photos not being of great quality as lighting was very low - for obvious reasons.  The whole place was very atmospheric.


Back soon