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!
Historic Graffiti & Apotropaics in the Gloucestershire Churches
A preliminary survey of a random sample of churches in Gloucestershire revealed examples of devotional, commemorative and apotropaic graffiti types. A range of crosses, initials and dates were recorded among ritual protection marks such as compass drawn circles (to invoke the protection of the Virgin Mary), occlusive or ‘barring’ symbols and merels applied to provide magical protection to the buildings.
This talk will be made live in person for GlosArch and simultaneously broadcast on Zoom although places are limited and registration required. It has been made free of charge to the public by the National Lottery. GlosArch website: http://glosarch.org.uk/groupevents.html. Registration/details: phil.cox@doctors.org.uk
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)
View all posts by Wayne Perkins
Ritual Protection Marks & Ritual Practices 