Seaside Stories: Life at Min y Don, Llandudno and Beyond

Tucked away within the walls of Min y Don in Llandudno lies an unusual and intriguing relic—a well-worn child’s shoe, carefully placed and long forgotten… until now.

Guests wandering through the property may be surprised to learn of this curious find, discreetly concealed within the building’s structure. At first glance, it might seem like a simple quirk of an old house, but this hidden shoe tells a story far older—and perhaps a little more mysterious—than you might expect.

A Forgotten Footstep Through History

Shoes have been found hidden in the walls, chimneys, and floorboards of buildings across Britain and Europe for centuries. Known as “concealed shoes”, these seemingly out-of-place items were often placed there deliberately as part of a folk tradition thought to bring protection to a home and its inhabitants.

The tradition dates back to at least the 14th century. Historians and folklorists believe the practice may have stemmed from superstitions designed to ward off evil spirits or witches, acting almost as a charm or spiritual safeguard.

A Child’s Shoe With a Story to Tell

The shoe at Min y Don is especially poignant: it’s a small, well-worn child’s shoe, the leather thinned from use, the shape moulded by tiny feet that once ran across floors long before modern guests arrived.

Its placement suggests that it was intentionally hidden—likely during a period of building or renovation—as a quiet ritual of protection or remembrance. There’s something humbling about this small token of life from the past, preserved in the fabric of the home for generations.

A Quiet Charm in a Seaside Retreat

Min y Don, with its stunning views over the sea and its rich connection to Llandudno’s heritage, has long been a place of welcome and rest. The presence of the hidden shoe adds another layer of quiet charm—a whisper from the past, reminding us that even the smallest things can carry great meaning.

So next time you stay with us, pause for a moment and reflect on the “shoe in the wall.” It’s more than just an old piece of footwear. It’s a link between generations, a symbol of the lives once lived within these walls, and a charming mystery that makes Min y Don all the more special.

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Have you spotted the shoe during your visit? Let us know in the comments—or ask a member of our team to share the story in person next time you stay. History, after all, is often found in the most unexpected places.

📚 References / Further Reading

Academic & Museum Sources

1. Swann, June. “Shoes Concealed in Buildings.” Costume, vol. 30, 1996, pp. 56–69.
   (A foundational academic study on the tradition of hiding shoes in buildings for protective purposes.)
2. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. Concealed Shoe Index. Northampton Borough Council.
   https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/
   (One of the largest recorded databases of concealed shoes, with over 2,000 examples.)
3. Hoggard, Brian. Apotropaios – Protective Magic in Historic Buildings.
   http://www.apotropaios.co.uk/
   (Extensive research on magical house protection practices across Britain, including concealed shoes.)
4. MacDermott, Mercia. Explore Folklore. Shire Publications, 2003.
   (A concise and accessible introduction to British folk customs and superstitions.)
5. Parsons, Joanne, and Hilary Davidson. “The Social Life of Children’s Shoes.” Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, vol. 15, no. 3, 2011, pp. 317–342.
   (Explores the emotional and cultural significance of children’s footwear in historical contexts.)

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Heritage & Local Context

Llandudno Heritage Trust. Local Archives and Oral Histories. (Consult local materials for building-specific history.)
(For site-specific interpretation or records on Min y Don and Llandudno’s historic homes.)

Historic England. “Folklore and Archaeology: Concealed Objects.”
https://historicengland.org.uk/research/current/discover-and-understand/folklore-and-archaeology/
(National guidance and research into concealed items in historic buildings across England.)