The page has been created to promote and disseminate research into medieval & historical graffiti; the archaeological identification of apotropaic symbols and the practice of concealing objects within buildings to ward against misfortune. Contributions are welcomed!
Intercessors: Folk Saints or notable Pious Individuals
A death’s head on the 17th century Rampston memorial inserted into the wall of the 13th century Sanctuary at St Clement’s church, Sandwich, Kent. Below the carving can be seen the letter ‘H’ which is just one of a plethora of names, dates and initials that have been cut or scratched into the alabaster. It has been suggested that these additions may represent ‘informal’ memorials for those too poor for a headstone or grand memorial of their own (Champion 2015). Then there is the possibility that the piety and standing of one Frances Rampston may have raised her to the level of a ‘folk-saint’ who may have been viewed as a potential ‘intercessor’ for those seeking spiritual succour. Her monument and its location – high up on the wall within the ‘holy of holies’ would have only added to her gravitas and standing within the lay community.
I am an archaeologist with over twenty years of experience. After a decade or so working as a volunteer on excavations in the 1990’s, I undertook my degree in Archaeology at the University of Birmingham. In the last year of my degree I helped to supervise the university’s annual excavations.
Directly after my exams I began my career in Commercial Archaeology as a Field Archaeologist with Oxford Archaeology and remained there for four years. Anticipating a career in archaeology in France I volunteered on excavations at Rom and at Prisse-la-Charriere, Niort (for Poitiers & Rennes University respectively). In due course I worked for the States’ premier scientific organization, I.N.R.A.P. (Institut Nationale des Récherches Archéologiques Préventives) as well as for a number of private companies.
I returned to the UK in 2013 and resumed my role as a Supervisor, undertaking projects around Oxfordshire with John Moore Heritage Services before moving to London in 2014.
I now undertake Historic Building Surveys and supervise urban excavations in the City of London as well as overseeing rural excavations in surrounding Sussex, Surrey & Kent.
Wayne Perkins
BA Hons (Archaeology)
ACIfA (Associate Member, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists)
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