History Society Finds: Concealed Shoes, two Witch Bottles & a ‘Witch’s Nail’ from Charing, Kent.

Pat Winzar (1920 – 2012) was an archaeologist and historian who worked on Eccles Roman Villa and became Council member for Kent Archaeological Society (KAS) between 1981 and 1996. She was also an early adopter of the discipline of buildings archaeology and understood the importance of the contents found within them. Further, she seemed to have instinctively known that finds of ‘intentionally concealed objects’ were consequential long before their true value was fully understood. She was instrumental in both overseeing the recording of historic buildings in her native Charing and ensuring that such finds were properly archaeologically examined and recorded.

One of three titles in a series looking at historical or archaeological finds from a house undergoing renovation in 1994.

All film links are © Screen Archive South East.

17th Century Shoes Found in the Chimney of 54 High Street, Charing in 1994

This programme looks at the history and placement of several 17th Century shoes and tools found in the chimney stack in Charing, during renovation

A short film presented by Pat Winzar on the archaeological finds of several 17th Century shoes and tools found in a chimney stack in a house in Charing, during renovation. Pat explores their origins, and what she can deduce from their placement in the house.

© Screen Archive South East, University of Bristol

https://screenarchive.brighton.ac.uk/detail/15008/

Witch Bottles found under a hearth in Sherbourne House, Higb Street, Charing, Kent

The film opens with a series of close up exterior shots of a row of terraced ca. 17th century styled timber framed buildings in Charing. Before cutting to an interior shot showing two ceramic glazed witch bottles presented on a table with their contents. Pat Winzar explains their history, context and the contents found in the bottles.

© Screen Archive South East, University of Bristol

https://screenarchive.brighton.ac.uk/detail/15006/

A Witch’s Nail

One of three titles in a series looking at historical or archaeological finds from a house undergoing renovation. This programme looks at the origins and use of a 17th Century ‘Witches Nail’, found during a modern house renovation. The object was found in 1992.

The narrative is led by Pat Winsar, who whilst standing in a domestic Kitchen, explains the order features of the property were removed from newer to older and the finds discovered. From under a Victorian and Georgian fireplace pots were found and from 17th century walls, much smaller finds were discovered including a 17th Century nail with a small swatch of paper tied around the top. Pam surmises the paper after further examination, may have had a house protection inscription written on it, to protect the dwelling from unwanted spirits or spells.

© Screen Archive South East, University of Bristol

https://screenarchive.brighton.ac.uk/detail/15007/

Obituary – Patricia Mary Winzar 1920-2012

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