Iron Thresholds as a Protection

Abstract

THE belief in iron as a protection against the approach or intrusion of witches, fairies or other evil influences is widespread.' I was therefore interested when I noted the large iron threshold slab set in front of the main door of the 15th century Priest House at West Hoathly, Sussex (TQ 36253250). This consists of a very rough and pitted piece of cast iron, forming an irregular rectangle measuring approximately Im x 35cm, which would probably have come from one of the nearby 16th century blast furnaces. A second example was found in the adjacent parish of Danehill, where another iron threshold has recently been taken up from a small cottage in process of renovation. This property (TQ 40852790), known as Pepper Alley, with documentary evidence going back to 1662, was probably enclosed from common land. The iron slab measures 50cm x 30cm x 4cm, and is known to have been in position for the last 90 years. A further example also occurs at Danehill at a house dating from 16th century, known as Sedges (TQ 41062885). Here the threshold outside the main door is composed of five pieces of tabular ironstone (iron ore) ranging in size from lm x 40cm downwards, mixed with similar pieces of local sandstone. While the main purpose of this note is to put the above on record, I hope it may prompt others to look for further examples of what seems to be an attempt to protect a house from evil. I should perhaps add that, whilst cast iron was no doubt freely available in the area in the 16th century, there was also a stone quarry in each of the parishes concerned and stone would probably have been a much cheaper material.