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!
On a recent trip to Lullingstone Castle to conduct a survey it was impossible not to visit the little chapel of St Botolph’s located within the grounds. Its brick additions and later ‘clunky’ porch almost obscure its 14th century beginnings and, like many churches built in proximity to Roman villas, it incorporates brick and tile of that period. However, the ‘wow’ factor is in the quality of its monuments to the Peche & Hart families and the survival of its 16th century Rood Screen. Needless, to say, a bit of church crawling also revealed both historic graffiti and evidence for the application of ritual protection marks! More to follow….
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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Ritual Protection Marks & Ritual Practices 