Very Cool Abigail! Thanks!
Best,
Suzanne
łNo, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical.˛ ~Niels Bohr
On 1/21/11 8:44 AM, "Abigail Ann Young" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I realise there is no direct connection between mediaeval graffiti and
> REED activity (although early modern graffiti may owe something to all
> those drunken morris dancers et al who were reluctantly compelled by the
> churchwardens to attend evening service). But I could not resist sending
> this on....
>
> Abigail
> ----------------------------------------
>
>> Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:59:57 +0000
>> From: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: [BRITARCH] Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Project
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Press release - apologies for cross posting.
>>
>> Norfolk Graffiti project short-listed for national award
>>
>> 21/01/2011
>>
>> A local community archaeology project aimed at discovering and recording
>> examples of medieval graffiti has been short-listed for a prestigious
>> national award. The Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Project, which marks its first
>> anniversary this month, has been selected as one of the finalists in the
>> 'Awards for the Presentation of Heritage Research 2011'. These annual
>> awards, sponsored by English Heritage, aim to encourage researchers to
>> present their research on British and Irish archaeology, historic buildings
>> and heritage conservation, to the wider public.
>>
>> The Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Project began in January 2010 with the aim of
>> carrying out the first large scale study of surviving medieval graffiti
>> inscriptions in Norfolk churches. Although the project has so far only
>> managed to survey about 50 of the counties 650+ medieval churches the
>> results have been a surprise to all involved. "When we began the project",
>> stated project director Matthew Champion, "we suspected that medieval
>> graffiti inscriptions were far more common than previously thought. However,
>> even we were surprised by the scale of the findings. To date, having
>> surveyed only 50 churches, we have discovered significant medieval graffiti
>> in over 30". The project has so far been concentrating its efforts on the
>> North Norfolk area but, over the coming months, it hopes to expand its
>> coverage into central and eastern areas. "The quantity and quality of the
>> graffiti varies greatly from church to church", continues Matthew Champion,
>> "and it tends to be located in certain 'hot-spots' within the building. So
>> far we have discovered Latin inscriptions, prayers, ships, animals,
>> windmills, caricatures and geometric patterns. It's all very diverse and you
>> really never know what will turn up next".
>>
>> The church of All Saints at Litcham, which was one of the first to be
>> surveyed, is one of the great discoveries of the Project. The aisle piers,
>> which were rebuilt in the early 15th century, were constructed using a very
>> soft chalk like stone and now contain over fifty examples of early graffiti.
>> Although the softness of the piers has meant that many are no longer legible
>> the sheer number of textual inscriptions and images is remarkable. Names,
>> prayers, faces, hands, Latin cryptograms, multiple daisy-wheels and swastika
>> pelta appear from behind the flaking lime-wash, making it one of the
>> greatest concentrations of material yet surveyed. However, the quantity of
>> graffiti discovered at Litcham, although remarkable, is by no means unique.
>>
>> Further north, the churches of the Glaven ports have been extensively
>> surveyed by John Peake who has shown that they contain a remarkable amount
>> of pre-reformation graffiti. In particular the magnificent church of St
>> Nicholas at Blakeney has proved to be a veritable treasure trove of
>> inscriptions. Merchants marks, illuminated capitals, prayers and symbols
>> have all been identified within its structure. However, the most notable
>> instances of pre-reformation graffiti located at Blakeney must be regarded
>> as the large amount of 'ship' graffiti found in the nave. At present John
>> has discovered over thirty individual ship images within this elaborate
>> structure.
>>
>> The projects most spectacular discovery was made a few miles from Blakeney
>> at the impressive remains of Binham Priory. Whilst carrying out a graffiti
>> survey in the nave of the church the project director uncovered a series of
>> architectural graffiti inscriptions that appear to be the original
>> master-masons drawings for the elaborate West Front of the Priory. Although
>> investigations are due to continue at Binham over the coming months the
>> discovery has already been described as 'remarkable' and 'very significant'.
>>
>> "To be shortlisted for a national award after such a short time is a great
>> achievement", concluded Matthew Champion, "and it's a real boost for all
>> those involved. Sitting in cold and draughty churches staring at the walls
>> can be a little dispiriting at times, so this recognition is a real morale
>> booster". All the projects that have been short-listed for the award will be
>> presenting their findings to a public audience at the British Museum on the
>> 25th February. The audience will be invited to help the panel of judges
>> assess the presentations and the winner will be announced later that
>> evening. Further information on the Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey can be
>> found on the project website - www.medieval-graffiti.co.uk
>>
>> ENDS
>>
>>
>>
>> For further information, please contact Project Director, Matthew Champion,
>> on 07810 677723 or by email at [log in to unmask]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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