*Webpage under development [last updated 16-04-24]*
If living or working in old buildings; or visiting historic buildings, sites and monuments; in these areas, and interested in looking for traces of folk magic in the past, let IF know!
Join the mailing list to receive information sent directly to your mailbox, and / or follow this website and other social media accounts (currently including Facebook and Instagram), to find out when project activities and resources become available.
Building surveys
Occupants of domestic or business premises (dating to or before the early 1900s) can participate in the building survey by looking for and recording surface evidence. This might include historic graffiti and other ritual marks; objects hidden away in buildings, such as shoes and other clothing, and charms; and horseshoe and other material remnants.
What resources you’ll receive for the survey
Participants guides (currently under development) will be sent to registered participants via email, or made available online to read and download. Resources, demonstrating what to look for, and outlining how to take part, are also under development.
What you’ll need
You’ll need a camera (phone cameras may be suitable), a good portable light source (such as LED strip / pack), scale (such as a tape measure or ruler) and pen or pencil; and preferably access to a printer (to print out the survey recording form, and if preferred, the participants survey guide). Access to the internet would also be beneficial (to submit information, and if preferred, fill in the survey recording form online).
What you’ll do
Photograph relevant evidence (the identification of which, and recording methods, will be informed by the forthcoming participants guide); record related information on a form; and email this information to the project. Alternatively, information may be provided in person at a project event; or via social media.
More information to follow…
Landscape surveys
Visitors to prehistoric and historic sites and monuments will be able to take part in various non-intrusive ways (see the Participation Notifications and Terms & Conditions).
More information to follow…
Folklore surveys
IF may be interested in relevant folk tales or superstitions to share that are not currently available through published works (i.e. printed, e.g. as antiquarian or modern books or articles, such as regional or local guides, pamphlets or other forms of text; online, e.g. websites or blogs; or audiobooks, podcasts or radio); and have not been shared through popular or academic events, activities, or resources (such as ‘ghost’ or other ‘walks’, trails, or talks; or through TV or radio programmes).
More information to follow…
Artefact surveys
IF may be interested in relevant objects, such as charms, amulets and talismans, that comprise or form part of private (e.g. personal possessions, or family heirlooms) or public (e.g. museum) collections, where provenance (i.e. where the object came from) is known. (Please note: IF does not offer any identification or valuation services.)
More information to follow…
Previous, Ongoing and Future External Surveys
IF will integrate information from previous studies, fieldwork (including past excavations, building investigations, and landscape surveys), and other archive material.
The project leader would also like to hear from anyone who has conducted, is conducting, or is intending to conduct, similar studies, or made relevant discoveries. Please get in touch if this is you! IF is open to collaboration; and would be happy to data share. A links-list will also be gradually developed on this website.
Contact will be made ASAP with various local and regional archaeologists, historians, and other researchers, who’s work is known to the IF project leader.
Participants must read and agree to the Participation Notifications and Terms & Conditions, before taking part. Please get in touch with IF with any questions or concerns regarding participation.