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Ritual Protection Marks & Ritual Practices

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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!

  • Graffiti
  • Taper Burns
  • Notable Headstones….
  • Illustrated Talks 2022
  • Figurative & Pictorial Graffiti
  • Mythological Creatures of the Sea
  • Intercessors: Folk Saints or notable Pious Individuals
  • Magical Protection of Agricultural Buildings
  • Archaeological Surveys & Building Recording
  • Notable Monuments
  • Witch Bottles
  • Spiritual Middens: Foundation Deposit, Spirit Trap or Counter Witchcraft Measure?
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Author: Wayne Perkins

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)

The ‘Flower of Life’ Motif at the Temple of Seti I & the Osireion, Abydos, Egypt

Some of the motifs collected in the corpora of Medieval graffiti are derived from ancient antecedents, which has led many … More

africa, archaeology, egypt, middle-east, travel

Apotropaics Vs. Gunpowder?

One of the most unusual discoveries that I have made recently is a six-petal rosette (or daisy wheel) graffito that … More

Ye Olde Six Bells, Horley, Surrey: When Sympathetic Magic Goes Bad

Legends, myths & ritual taper burn marks It is believed that the proximity of the Ye Older Six Bells public … More

art, photography, summer, travel

Fantastic Beasts & Where to find Them!

The Manticore The manticore was a legendary creature from ancient Persian mythology which featured strongly in medieval bestiaries and heraldry … More

archaeology, art, books, church, culture, history, medieval, travel

The Missing Shrine of Sir John Schorne, folk saint  at Binham Priory, Fakenham, Norfolk

“I wish to be buried..before the Holy Image of Master John Schorne in the church at Binham” Richard Easingwold of … More

christianity, faith, history, pilgrimage, travel

In Memoriam: Memorial Graffiti, a Paupers’ Graveyard &…a Black Dog?

‘Rattle his bones over the stones, He’s only a pauper who nobody owns’ Well known ditty or saying (19th century?) … More

archaeology, church, england, europe, history, london, medieval, travel

In the palm of your hand….protection from the Virgin?

Left: Marian mark on the font at St George’s church, Crowhurst. Right: the ceases in some people’s hands bear a … More

archaeology, church, history, Marian Marks, medieval

Baddesley Clinton: New Evidence for the Deployment of Apotropaics at an Elite Residence

Gatehouse to Baddesley Clinton Hall, a number of apotropaic marks can be found on the walls of the entrance passage. … More

archaeology, architecture, history, travel, writing

Medieval Women: In Their Own Words Pt.1. Birthing Girdle (15th century).

‘Encounter the women of medieval Europe through their own words, visions and experiences, in an exhibition like no other.  Discover … More

bible, christianity, christmas, history, jesus

Baddesley Clinton Hall: The Deployment of Apotropaics in an Elite Residence

South elevation, view to the north-east. Photo © Wayne Perkins 2024. Baddesley Clinton Hall is a medieval moated site (List … More

archaeology, architecture, england, history, medieval

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