Vampire off revenants—are common in vampire folklore. Garlic is a common example, a branch of wild rose and hawthorn plant are said to harm vampires, and in Europe, sprinkling mustard seeds on the roof of a house was said to keep them away. Other apotropaics include sacred items, for example a crucifix, rosary, or holy water. Vampires are said to be unable to walk on consecrated ground, such as that of churches or temples, or cross running water. Although not traditionally regarded as an apotropaic, mirrors have been used to ward off vampires when placed, facing outwards, on a door (in
Golden Cross, Shrewsbury as the "Monks' Hole." In this area were two medieval stone benches and a stone table together with a spiral stone staircase which descended into a tunnel. This was one of three tunnels which emerged in three arches within the purlieu of old St. Chad's. One came from what is now Rackham's store, further down High Street and the other from the other direction. The Golden Cross tunnel emerged in the centre arch of the three and had reputedly allowed monks to cross from St. Chad's to drink in privacy, without being spotted by public. During the 1960s Mr O'Dwyer