Why can we find ‘memento mori’ symbols in and around Christian churches? A memento mori is a symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. The Latin term means ‘remember that you must die’. They can take the form of a range of images and...
Red deer skull from Star CarrRotunda Museum, Scarborough A number of very rare and important objects have been found at the archaeological site, ‘Star Carr’, dating from the Middle Stone Age or Mesolithic period. Objects found there, such as these red deer skulls, are...
‘Hogback’ StoneRichmondshire Museum, North Yorkshire A hogback stone is a type of ancient stone monument, particularly associated with areas influenced by the Vikings. With intricate carvings and patterns, these stones date back to the medieval period,...
Were 17th Century ‘Witch Posts’ used for warding off witches? Posts like this have been known as ‘witch posts’ for at least a hundred years due to the theory that they were designed to discourage evil from entering the home. But why? Three ‘witch...
Stone Plaque for a Goldsmith’s ShopMalton Museum, North Yorkshire It’s rare to find evidence of gold-working in Roman Britain, but this stone plaque records a goldsmith’s workshop in the area. It was found in 1814 whilst foundations were being dug for New Malton...