Definition of the word rising damp

The term "rising damp" refers to the upward movement of groundwater through porous building materials, such as bricks or concrete, directly into the interior of the building. The phrase 'rising damp' originated in the 18th century, during a time when buildings constructed with porous materials were becoming increasingly common in England. At that time, rising damp was often incorrectly attributed to the action of the earth itself, and was referred to as 'the rising of the earth's moisture'. This belief led to superstitious and sometimes erroneous remedies, such as the application of cow dung to the walls. It wasn't until the early 19th century that the true nature of rising damp was finally understood, thanks to the work of engineers and scientists like James Walker and George Birkbeck, who identified the presence of capillary action as the primary cause. The term 'rising damp' thus came to be used more accurately to describe the upward migration of groundwater through building materials, leading to issues like mould growth, a musty smell, and the flaking or peeling of wallpaper and paint.