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A deliberate teardrop-shaped scorch burned into a timber beam.
Also known as: Burn mark, Scorch mark
An elongated burn made by holding a flame against timber for a long time — deliberately, repeatedly, and in positions no accident would reach. Recognised only relatively recently as a category of ritual mark rather than as accidental damage.
A deliberate teardrop-shaped burn made in structural timber, typically near hearths, doorways and roof spaces, produced by sustained application of a flame rather than by accidental fire.
England · Roughly 16th–19th century
Distinguished from accidental scorching by shape, depth, repetition and position — often high on a beam or in a place no candle would be left. Experimental work has shown the form requires prolonged deliberate contact.
Commonly explained as protection against fire on the principle of like preventing like, though this is a modern interpretation of a practice for which no contemporary explanation survives.
No contemporary account of why these were made is known. The fire-protection reading is inference.
An elongated teardrop-shaped hollow burned into a wooden surface, deeper and rounded at one end and tapering to a point.
Both are ritual protection marks recorded in English historic buildings.