All sorts of weird and wonderful items can be found in chimneys, whether it’s something like a bird’s nest or a burglar (yes, that actually happened in Atlanta), but if you’ve ever lived in a house up in Scotland chances are that you’ve come across a shoe or two up your flue in the past.
In an article for the Scotsman, curatorial volunteer at the National Museum of Scotland’s Art and Design Department Molly Lambourne explained that shoes have been found in all sorts of unusual places in buildings, predominantly beneath floorboards, in chimney breasts, over door lintels, below window sills and inside the walls.
In the majority of instances, these shoes are children’s, completely worn out and on their own, not in a pair. There are numerous theories as to why these shoes have been found in these places, with one explanation being that it was an attempt to prevent evil spirits from entering the house.
Other explanations include trying to bestow fertility upon the household, luck and good fortune, and also perhaps serving as memorial rituals in grieving the loss of a child.
The museum itself is home to several concealed shoes in its collection, one of which dates all the way back to about 1810, discovered by workmen in the roof of 5-7 Bristo Place as they were carrying out construction work to develop the offices for the museum.
We’d love to hear if you’ve ever found a shoe in your chimney or perhaps something else rather unusual. Drop us a line and tell us what you found.
If you’re in need for a chimney sweep in Beaconsfield, get in touch with us today!
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