Medieval Graffiti @MedievalG Twitter profile

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Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

6 years

It's back... Medieval England's worst ever depiction of St George and the dragon? Probably... Marsham, Norfolk. #StGeorgesDay

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@MedievalG

3 years

Half timbered. Open Wealden framing. Note the un-pegged joints. Probably late C15th or early C16th.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Weirdly back looking at ship graffiti again. I thought I'd written everything I wanted to on the subject. Apparently not. A tiny selection of the over 450 examples now recorded in UK churches.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Spent part of the week hunting down records of Tudor ships with silly names, and came to realise just how much ship graffiti I've recorded over the years. So a brief chronology of crap, & not so crap, ship graffiti through the ages.

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@MedievalG

5 years

Quite possibly THE worst medieval carved bench ends in Norfolk (& they are medieval). It has been said that the woodcarver had once had a lion described to him, by a committee, when they were all drunk - and I love them! Stanfield church, Norfolk

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@MedievalG

7 years

To celebrate #StGeorgesDay - a really rather dodgy piece of medieval graffiti from Marsham in Norfolk. Could do better...

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@MedievalG

3 years

I absolutely love all forms of ship graffiti, but this C15th example from Flowton in Suffolk, complete with armoured crew, is one of my absolute favourites. Joyous.

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@MedievalG

2 years

Ship graffiti in English medieval churches. It is certainly a ‘thing’, and we’ve recorded many hundreds of examples, including this very fine late medieval example from Norwich cathedral. But what does it mean, and why was it made?

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@MedievalG

3 years

Whoever carved this particular six petal rosette at Cowlinge, Suffolk, really, really meant it. A statement in stone.

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@MedievalG

2 years

There are many great sites for medieval graffiti in the UK, but one of the best (IMHO) has to be Norwich cathedral – surveyed by a crack volunteer team over a period of three years. It has everything…

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@MedievalG

3 years

Carlisle castle graffiti gets some rather splendid conservation work. It really is a stunning site, with some of the best early graffiti in the UK.

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@MedievalG

6 years

A real rarity. Music from a different age, and a long dead composer. Medieval musical notation. Horning St Benedict, Norfolk. (I preferred his early works...)

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@MedievalG

5 years

In these trying times it seems only sensible to check on your supplies of protective amulets and pilgrim badges... In the Middle Ages 'most' of these would have been considered touch relics, often with healing powers.

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@MedievalG

5 years

Dear all, In the coming weeks and months, as things get 'interesting', if you are thinking of leaving any plague graffiti on a wall, please keep in mind the poor researchers of the future - & remember to properly date it! It's the little things that will get us through this...

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@MedievalG

5 years

If you spend a lot of time in churches you often come across examples of these - a 'consecration cross' - but few people today seem to understand their meaning. So a short thread. 1/10

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@MedievalG

4 years

A rare graffiti showing a portable medieval organ, from Parham church in Suffolk. The documentary evidence indicates these were only ever played by rabbits, the training of which was a closely guarded secret.

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@MedievalG

6 years

And just because it has been a while - the beginners guide to medieval graffiti. Also highlighting the difference between facebook and twitter. On facebook they take this seriously...

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@MedievalG

3 years

Medieval ship graffiti from St Margaret's church, Cley in north Norfolk. Really unusually shown under full sail, rather than with sails furled.

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@MedievalG

5 years

We live in trying times. The latest pandemic is certainly not comparable with many previous ones, but that doesn't make it any easier for those who suffer. Our thoughts go out to them all. It also has rather a strong bearing upon medieval graffiti. A short #Thread

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@MedievalG

2 years

Because how could I not?

Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

6 years

It's back... Medieval England's worst ever depiction of St George and the dragon? Probably... Marsham, Norfolk. #StGeorgesDay

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@MedievalG

7 years

So now there are US politicians claiming the whole #CheddarMan story was a hoax perpetrated by a conspiracy of UK archaeologists & scientists... Really? FFS - we can't even agree on a single academic referencing system - let alone conspire!

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@MedievalG

7 years

The finest church chest in England? Probably... Mid- C14th carved oak chest from Dersingham in Norfolk. Mentioned in the church inventory of 1360.

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@MedievalG

3 years

A small fleet of post-reformation ship graffiti carved into the pews at St Margaret's church, Hardley, Norfolk. Going nowhere fast.

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@MedievalG

4 years

Remember back when we were all allowed out, and could visit places? Nope. Me neither... So I thought we could all take a virtual trip to look at some medieval wonders. But as I'm setting the bar low, and am biased, I thought we'd go to Kings Lynn. A short thread.

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@MedievalG

5 years

Given the current crisis, we are now moving in to public service mode. Being stuck in isolation isn't fun, so over the coming days, weeks, and months we will be taking you all on a few trips out. Virtual tours of East Anglian churches. We begin tomorrow - with Lakenheath.

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@MedievalG

3 years

A short thread - about my garden gate. Yes really. My garden gate. No, I'm not drunk. Yet. Trust me, this is 'quite' interesting. Firstly, as you can see, it isn't really a gate at all - but an old door. And it's knackered.

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@MedievalG

6 years

In light of recent events I am now busy applying ritual protection marks to strategic buildings around Westminster. It won't work, but at this point I figured it had as much, if not more, credibility as any other 'plan'.

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Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

7 years

@StPaulsLondon @WinCathedral @DerbyCathedral @ExeterCathedral @durhamcathedral @Ely_Cathedral @LincsCathedral @StAlbansAbbey @engcathedrals just leaving this one here too... *casually walks away*

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@MedievalG

2 years

Who says I'm not entering the bloody Christmas spirit? What more do you want? Late medieval ship graffiti from St Margaret's church, Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk. Three of them.

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@MedievalG

4 years

The unforeseen consequences of Covid-19 in the parish church. A sign of our times...

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@MedievalG

7 years

When you want posterity to be in no doubt whatsoever as to your occupation... Wiveton, Norfolk

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@MedievalG

2 years

Amongst all the early graffiti that we record the most common single type of inscription are those known as 'apotropaic markings' - sometimes called 'ritual protection marks', or as they are still called in parts of Europe, 'holy signs'. A thread.

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@MedievalG

9 years

A tiny selection of medieval ships, still sailing across the stones after centuries... http://t.co/fTeaUEdlRc

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@MedievalG

6 years

The rather stunning medieval angel roof at Knapton church, Norfolk. Although much of the lower section of the roof is restored, many of the angels still show the ravages of time.

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@MedievalG

7 years

I appear to have spent a good amount of time this week talking about ship graffiti. Not medieval, but beggars can't be choosers... And you won't see better anywhere. Harwich.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Alphamstone church, Essex. The church is unusual, reputedly built on a Bronze Age burial mound, with sarsens built in to the wall - but nowhere near as weird as some of the vicars and rectors throughout history. A short thread.

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@MedievalG

5 years

1. So today we are beginning the first of our virtual tours of East Anglian churches at Lakenheath, in the hope that you'll visit in person when times become less 'trying'. You can follow all our tours in the coming weeks using the hashtag #EAchurches #Thread

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@MedievalG

5 years

And then there are the C15th Ewelme angels in feathered suits, who decorate the tomb of Alice de la Pole - just so very familiar to church archaeologists from East Anglia. Kids - you are a long way from home...

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@MedievalG

5 years

Snargate church is best known (if at all) for this rather wonderful late C15th/early C16th painting of a 'great ship'. Some say it may be the 'Regent', built nearby for Henry VII, and destroyed in a battle with the French in 1512.

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@MedievalG

5 months

Always feels like meeting an old friend. A certain Mr Bligt, a C16th tax collector who left his mark on numerous churches across East Anglia. This example from St Nicholas at Blakeney. Found in more than 20 churches so far.

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@MedievalG

4 years

A short #Thread about markings on historical buildings. With Halloween fast approaching my inbox begins to fill up with people sending me pictures of strange markings - wanting to know whether they have found 'witch marks'. 1/11

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@MedievalG

4 years

From the 1960s onwards, a gentleman from Kent went around recording the medieval graffiti he came across in churches and cathedrals across England. His archive of literally 1000s of tracings, drawings, and rubbings has ended up here. 1/4

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@MedievalG

16 days

Slightly unusual remains of the C15th rood screen at Dickleburgh, Norfolk, that doesn't get enough attention IMHO. No saints or angels here, but rather a fantastic collection of tiny village characters, devils, animals...

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@MedievalG

5 years

Finally finished the mammoth report of the graffiti and carvings in Royston cave. Stunning late medieval iconography. Nobody will read it obviously. (No Knights Templar were hurt during the making of this report... because they died centuries earlier)

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@MedievalG

4 years

Lockdown, & we are all suddenly spending way more time at home. A space in which we 'should' all feel safe. But how in the past did people protect their homes? So a short #thread on the protection of hearth & home - without leaving my own home. 1/20

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@MedievalG

1 year

Here be dragons... But quite small and rather cute dragons. Detail from the dado section of the C15th rood screen at Weston Longville, Norfolk.

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@MedievalG

5 years

Perhaps one of my favourite medieval roof structures in England? The angel roof at Necton church, Norfolk. So much original pigment survives.

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@MedievalG

6 years

Carved roof spandrel. The lines still crisp and neat after five centuries and more. Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen, Norfolk.

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@MedievalG

3 years

The fire at Beachamwell church today has caused massive damage, and some treasures will have been lost forever. Builders have/had a long tradition of leaving their mark on St Mary's, including these rather lovely C14th construction accounts. Also probably now lost.

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@MedievalG

8 years

Hindringham, Norfolk. Quite possibly THE oldest parish chest in England - C12th. Very lovely indeed.

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@MedievalG

4 years

And then there is the other surviving panel at Sparham. All original, late medieval. 'As we are now, so shall ye be'. Subtitled: "you looked so very different on your Tinder profile..."

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@MedievalG

3 years

Everyone needs a little music in their life, so I'm offering up this little medieval ditty from Horning church, Norfolk. Musical notation in parish churches is a rarity.

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@MedievalG

7 years

Looking for ritual protection marks (witch marks)? Here are some of the commonest apotropaic motifs we come across in early buildings...

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@MedievalG

5 years

Norfolk's only surviving pre-reformation lead font. And a strange damned thing it is too, but complete with lots of lovely graffiti. St Laurence, Brundall.

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Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

4 years

And from one of the best to one of the very worst. Still love it.

Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

6 years

It's back... Medieval England's worst ever depiction of St George and the dragon? Probably... Marsham, Norfolk. #StGeorgesDay

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@MedievalG

7 years

and to be honest... we weren't that great at dogs sometimes either...

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@MedievalG

2 years

Today's purchase. 'A glossary of words used in East Anglia' by Walter Rye. Published 1895. And some of the definitions are definitely 'of their time...'

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@MedievalG

6 years

Hidden deep beneath the crossroads in the small market town of Royston lies a cave full of strange and mysterious medieval carvings. Some of the strangest in England. And it's now open to the public again...

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@MedievalG

2 years

Binham priory in north Norfolk is one of the most complete set of monastic ruins to be found anywhere in England - and it is certainly one of the most important sites in relation to the architectural history of medieval England. A thread.

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@MedievalG

1 year

@DrFrancisYoung Warwick Rodwell did an excellent book on the chair, which included detailed analysis of the graffiti.

The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone: History, Archaeology and Conservation

Constructed in 1297-1300 for King Edward I, the Coronation Chair ranks amongst the most remarkable and precious treasures to have survived from the Middle Ages. It incorporated in its seat a block of...

www.amazon.co.uk

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@MedievalG

7 years

"Much to everyone's surprise, this time Tinder made a perfect match..." Remnants of the late medieval rood screen. Sparham, Norfolk

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@MedievalG

7 years

We have a new contender for the 'how many different building materials can I use in one church' award. Hempstead, Norfolk.

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@MedievalG

6 years

Carlisle castle. Late C15th or early C16th graffiti once thought to have been created by prisoners confined in the keep. Carved deep into the stones,and still fresh after long centuries have passed.

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@MedievalG

3 years

The graffiti at Carlisle castle is really quite stunning, and not very well researched as yet. Mostly apparently belonging to the C15th and C16th, it has been ascribed to prisoners or bored guards. 1/2

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@MedievalG

6 years

*deep sigh* I guess if you can't beat them - join them. But let's see just how many witches get past my threshold this Halloween... #WitchMark

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@MedievalG

3 years

Want to know more about historical graffiti? Or even do some research of your own? If you are interested in taking things a little further we have a historical graffiti bibliography on our website - Freely available to both saints and sinners.

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@MedievalG

6 years

'Cornua non sunt arto compugenta sputuo' 'the corners are not jointed correctly. I spit on them' Ashwell, Herts. We all have bad days.

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@MedievalG

5 years

I would just respectfully point out that if anyone is thinking of panic buying over the weekend, books are also available. They are like toilet roll, but you read them first. Mostly.

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@MedievalG

6 years

Deeply carved crucifix at the hermit's cave at Cratcliffe, Derbyshire. The hermit guided lost travelers across the hills, receiving payment of rabbits from nearby Haddon Hall. I've had worse jobs.

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@MedievalG

7 months

The Wenhaston Doom, Suffolk. Early C16th. Whitewashed over at the reformation, the boards were removed from the church during restoration works in 1892, and left in the churchyard. That night it rained...

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@MedievalG

7 years

So this arrived today. Light reading it isn't, but it does have, for the first time in any Oxford Handbook, a chapter on Medieval Graffiti. We are officially a 'thing'. It also weighs more than my car...

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@MedievalG

3 years

They did like a bit of precision graffiti at Ashwell in Hertfordshire. However, no one can decide exactly what this one depicts? Is it a church? A shrine? A tomb? You decide.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Possibly one of the finest terracotta tombs anywhere in England. The early C16th tomb of Lady Margaret Bedingfield, at Oxborough in Norfolk. The height of renaissance style in a quiet Norfolk village.

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Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

4 years

So let me be clear on this? Under the proposed new Act I can face up to 10 years inside for 'putting someone at risk' of 'serious annoyance'? I don't ACTUIALLY have to annoy them. Just cause a 'risk' of annoyance? Well that's me buggered then...

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@MedievalG

7 years

The past is a diverse and interesting place, & archaeology helps explain it -or not... Thought you might find this of interest @WhoresofYore

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@MedievalG

9 months

It is with the deepest regret and heartfelt grief that we must announce the death of Jessica (Jess) Macdonald @jessikart after a long struggle with illness. She died peacefully (02/01/2024) surrounded by her family.

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@MedievalG

4 years

Still my favourite book review EVER. "I bought this book hoping to find some beautiful medieval grafitti, but all I found was a whole bunch of writing. There only a few pages with drawings. It's more like a history book?"

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@MedievalG

2 years

Bugger! When you have finished the whole inscription but realise you've left one letter out... late C17th, Stanhoe, Norfolk one for @PoorFrankRaw

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@MedievalG

3 years

Some truths are eternal. Graffiti for our times - but dating from the seventeenth century. 'John Nemin - God helpe the poore' Horringer, Suffolk.

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@MedievalG

8 years

Duxford St John, Cambs. Stunning medieval wall paintings - complete with medieval graffiti cutting through the pigment.

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@MedievalG

5 months

In the last minutes of the day. It would be unfair otherwise.

Medieval Graffiti

@MedievalG

6 years

It's back... Medieval England's worst ever depiction of St George and the dragon? Probably... Marsham, Norfolk. #StGeorgesDay

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@MedievalG

6 years

Sometimes even the simplest shots can end up producing a surreal image. The medieval roodscreen and roof structure at Worstead church, Norfolk.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Exactly two years ago, just as the pandemic was in its infancy, I was here. The Duomo in Siena, Italy. Actually, to be entirely honest, I was underneath it. Looking at one of THE most important sites for early graffiti in Europe.

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@MedievalG

3 years

And there is more. Lots more. The whole gate is covered. Apotropaic markings used in the early C19th to 'ward off' evil. The things I have been recording for over a decade now - travelling all over the county. AND THEY HAD BEEN RIGHT THERE ALL THIS TIME!

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@MedievalG

1 year

A couple more medieval graffiti from St Albans cathedral - where this fantastic backwards facing dragon/bird looks very C12th in origin. One of two there. Scary.

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@MedievalG

3 years

In north-west Norfolk there is a very well known, and rather fantastic, group of C12th fonts. All stunning masterpieces, and sometimes suggested to have come from the same workshop. Unlikely. A short thread.

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@MedievalG

3 years

@SissinghurstNT Probably some of the most spectacular ship graffiti I have come across is from the late C18th/early C19th from the sailors room in Harwich - where those 'pressed' for the Navy were locked up prior to being 'shipped out'.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Fantastic beasts and where to find them...? Anstey in Hertfordshire apparently. A truly fantastic late medieval heraldic crest. One of a number there found amongst masses of heraldic graffiti.

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@MedievalG

3 years

Nice example of a C15th mason's mark at Wighton, Norfolk. Complete with the medieval mason's original centre-line. Very sweet.

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@MedievalG

3 years

All Saints church, Waterden, Norfolk. Today it is missing a few windows, a long lost south aisle, and a tower. It's also missing a congregation and a parish. The village disappeared centuries ago, leaving one farm nearby, and some interesting archaeology.

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@MedievalG

5 years

A recent visit to the Doumo in Siena, to examine some of the most important medieval graffiti in Europe. A stunning building - seen from whatever angle, and I got to see some very strange angles. #Thread

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@MedievalG

5 years

But at the base of the tomb, hidden behind the delicate alabaster cage-work, hides an image of Alice in death. The cadaver in open shroud - staring at a painting of the annunciation, created for the dead eyes of an effigy only. Ewelme, Oxon.

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@MedievalG

5 years

Welcome to the latest of our virtual church tours. Today we are heading for the Norfolk village of Cley-next-the-Sea. We generally just call it Cley. The sea bit is fairly obvious... even to the 2nd home owners who now make up most of the population. #EAchurches #Thread

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@MedievalG

4 years

That Monday feeling...

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@MedievalG

3 years

I spent the latter part of this evening standing in a river. Looking at a bridge. It's a different perspective on the world. Here you are looking at 3 building phases. 1940, 1900, and about 1470/80. But the crossing has been here since the C8th. I think that's kind of cool.

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@MedievalG

2 months

This October I'll be giving an in-person lecture on Medieval Graffiti in the utterly delightful church of St Helens, Barnoldby-le-Beck, in Lincolnshire. It'll be fab. Sat 26th October 2024