Holey stones have many names including lucky stones, witch stones, fairy stones, hag stones and here in the North East of England they are sometimes called Adder Stones.

These stones are reported to have magical properties, the most important of which is protection against harm. Holed stones were fastened to a house or byre door to keep witches away and to bring good luck. They were also hung above a bed's head as a prevention against nightmares. Fishermen fastened them to the bows of their boats to keep witches and evil spirits at bay.