This fabulous door knocker is found on the door of The Covenstead Witchcraft B&B in Glastonbury, where we stayed last September. Isn’t he delightful?
Apparently door knockers are found in England more than any other place. The door knocker at Durham Cathedral, dating from the 11th century, is very special. As far back as 740, the Bishop of Lindisfarne offered sanctuary to any criminal who could reach the White Church (later Durham Cathedral) and strike the knocker.
Heavy door knockers have been a way for people to announce their presence from around the 16th century, but they have also had another use; they are seen as guardians to the home. The lion’s head design has been very popular, it is a symbol of Great Britain, and it symbolises strength, pride, nobility, valour and protection. It is also said that lions are a symbol of the Sun. Lion’s head knockers were popular in America until Eagles overtook them.
Gargoyles and other scary faces have also been used, such as the one shown, to scare away those who would bring trouble to a door. Palm-shaped knockers are also popular, it is thought that they originate from the Hand of Fatima, a palm-shaped amulet used to protected the bearer from the evil eye.
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