Daubney, who works for The Portable Antiquities Scheme, a volunteer program set up to record archaeological objects found in England, explained the child’s boot may have been used as a kind of spirit trap.
"The earliest reference to the use of shoes as some kind of spirit trap comes from the 14th century," he told Discovery News. "It regards one of England’s unofficial saints, John Schorn from Buckinghamshire, who was rector of North Marston 1290-1314. He is reputed to have performed the remarkable feat of casting the devil into a boot."
Daubney said it appears this folk tradition survived in more rural counties. He and his colleagues have found other shoes hidden in older homes. He likened it to the tradition of saying "bless you" after someone sneezes.
"Most people can no longer explain the significance of ‘bless you,’ although many still say it," he said.
Daniel Pett of the British Museum, who also works with objects found in homes or by hobbyists, said the bible find is "very different."
Pett added that "witch bottles" are also sometimes found in chimneys. These are bottles frequently filled with sharp objects (to harm intruders) and personal effects, such as the hair of the bottle filler.
Daubney said the miniature Bible is in private ownership and likely would not go on exhibit. He believes that it will "be placed back near its original location," perhaps in hopes of continued protection for the current residents.
