Chapter

Knocker

I had returned to my lodgings after a day spent surveying the ancient tin workings, some of which date from Biblical times, when a fellow drinker jokingly asked me if I had encountered any of the Knockers. A hush immediately descended upon the tap-­room, and others present, locals all, assured the speaker that the little people of the mines were not to be spoken of lightly, lest some disaster befall the mine and the community it supported. Ruffled spirits were only soothed by a round of drinks for the house.

— William Stukeley, May 1716

Knockers stand about 18 inches (45 cm) tall, and look like human miners with oversized heads. The inhabit the tin mines of Cornwall, where the best deposits can always be found by following the sound of their tools. They have also been known to knock on the walls of a mine to warn their mortal neighbours of an imminent collapse. Knockers are not hostile, but have been known to pilfer food and move tools as a prank. They will throw stones from the shadows at anyone who mocks them. If seriously offended, they will abandon a mine, leaving it barren and profitless for the mortals left behind. They are strong out of all proportion to their size, and can out-­work a human miner quite easily.

Ritual

Knockers are repelled by the sign of the cross, Christian prayer, and the mention of God or Jesus. They also dislike whistling and swearing, although these are more likely to infuriate them than to drive them away.

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