11 old shoes found hidden in Gundaroo pub's 1865 ceiling
Kurt Neumann discovered 11 old shoes in the Royal Hotel ceiling, likely hidden in the 1800s to ward off evil.
When Grazing restaurant chef Kurt Neumann cleared out part of the former Royal Hotel in Gundaroo, he found 11 old shoes hidden in straw behind a brick fireplace flue. The 11 shoes ranged from tiny toddler boots to adult sizes.
Neumann later learned this was an 1800s practice where people hid shoes in homes to ward off evil spirits. People believed evil forces would attack the shoes instead of people, sparing the actual inhabitants.
Children's shoes were common because their purer spirits offered stronger protection. The Royal Hotel was built in 1865.
It is now the Grazing restaurant and classified by the National Trust as historically significant.
- 11
- Shoes discovered
- 1865
- Royal Hotel built
- Gundaroo
- Location
Why it mattersThis discovery adds a tangible connection to the folklore practices and beliefs that shaped 1800s Australian life and homes.
AustraliaThe find enriches the history of a Gundaroo landmark that's become a local gathering place, giving the restaurant new stories to share with visitors.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 48 min ago
Open this story in InSnip →
