The page has been created to promote and disseminate research into medieval & historic graffiti; the archaeological identification of apotropaic symbols and the phenomenon of intentionally concealed objects within buildings intended to ward against misfortune. Contributions are welcomed!
This example has been hand painted and possesses an oily residue on its surface. It suggests that chrism had once been applied – but perhaps more recently that its original Consecration! Further, the sooty-black burn mark suggests that either a wall sconce once existed in this location (to illuminate the cross) or that it had been subsequently ‘blessed by candle’- most likely during the festival of Candlemas.
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 