The Manticore The manticore was a legendary creature from ancient Persian mythology which featured strongly in medieval bestiaries and heraldry…
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…
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?)…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Cats In the Walls
One had a lucky escape from the walls of Waltham Abbey..the other one, not so much! I am of course,…
Shoot That Poison Arrow: Apotropaics to Counter the Plague
Main image: Fresco in the former Abbey of Saint-André-de-Lavaudieu, France. Anon.Public domain Wikicommons What might have been a suitable apotropaic…
Night at the Museum & Abbey Gatehouse: the Concealed Revealed
On Saturday 3rd August 2024 I will be presenting an illustrated talk on the ‘The Mysterious Graffiti found in the…
Ritual Protection Marks & Ritual Practices 