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Historic graffiti is exactly as it sounds; anything that has been etched or left a mark, from any time period, on or at a site, structure, or object.
This can include things such as:
Wartime graffiti at military sites
Symbols, shapes, or markings
Intentional candle or poker burn marks
Historic 'tourist' graffiti at sites
Carvings in stone, wood, or other materials
Some of the symbols may even be apotropaic - meaning that they are protective, or ward off harmful magic. We'd love to understand more about the changes in belief around protective symbols over time.
Also, you can find concealed objects that are thought to serve the same protective purpose. These include things such as shoes or mummified animals, or objects known as 'witch bottles'. These objects can be found in entryways, such as doors, windows, or fireplaces. They may also be found in walls, ceilings, or under the floor!
If you would like to know more about the history of graffiti, its treatment in a heritage context and what is considered ‘historic’ graffiti, there is a wealth of information in the Historic England guidance document, which is available here, and in the links section on the side.
We’d like to record everything & be able to showcase them on our online mapping site.
Our aim is to give people the opportunity to explore & see this graffiti (where possible), and ensure that they're recorded for future generations.
If you have found any graffiti, symbols, or objects, please add them to our map below!
Historic graffiti is exactly as it sounds; anything that has been etched or left a mark, from any time period, on or at a site, structure, or object.
This can include things such as:
Wartime graffiti at military sites
Symbols, shapes, or markings
Intentional candle or poker burn marks
Historic 'tourist' graffiti at sites
Carvings in stone, wood, or other materials
Some of the symbols may even be apotropaic - meaning that they are protective, or ward off harmful magic. We'd love to understand more about the changes in belief around protective symbols over time.
Also, you can find concealed objects that are thought to serve the same protective purpose. These include things such as shoes or mummified animals, or objects known as 'witch bottles'. These objects can be found in entryways, such as doors, windows, or fireplaces. They may also be found in walls, ceilings, or under the floor!
If you would like to know more about the history of graffiti, its treatment in a heritage context and what is considered ‘historic’ graffiti, there is a wealth of information in the Historic England guidance document, which is available here, and in the links section on the side.
We’d like to record everything & be able to showcase them on our online mapping site.
Our aim is to give people the opportunity to explore & see this graffiti (where possible), and ensure that they're recorded for future generations.
If you have found any graffiti, symbols, or objects, please add them to our map below!
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Apotropaic symbols are marks or objects that are believed to have the power to avert evil or harm. They are often found in buildings, especially in places that are considered vulnerable to supernatural threats, such as doorways, windows, fireplaces, or stairs. Apotropaic symbols can take various forms, such as geometric shapes, letters, numbers, animals, plants, or human figures.
The term "apotropaic" comes from the Greek word "apotropaios," meaning "to turn away" or "to avert."
In England and Cornwall, apotropaic symbols have a long history and a rich variety. Some of the most common symbols include:
The hexafoil or daisy wheel, which is a six-petalled flower made of intersecting circles. It is thought to represent the sun or the eye of God, and to ward off witches and the evil eye.
The pentagram or pentangle, which is a five-pointed star made of a single continuous line. It is associated with the five wounds of Christ, the five senses, or the five elements, and is believed to protect against demons and magic.
The Solomon's knot, which is a looped interlace pattern that has no beginning or end. It is linked to the wisdom and power of King Solomon, who was said to have control over spirits and to possess a magic ring.
The Marian mark, which is a stylized M with a crown above it. It is another symbol of the Virgin Mary, who is invoked as a protector against evil and disease.
The burn mark, which is a scorch mark made by a candle or a poker on a wooden surface. It is intended to mimic the effect of lightning, which is seen as a sign of divine intervention and a deterrent to evil forces.
Apotropaic symbols are a fascinating aspect of the cultural and religious heritage of England and Cornwall. They reveal the beliefs, fears, and hopes of the people who made and used them, and they offer a glimpse into the hidden meanings and mysteries of the past.
If you think you've found any protective or apotropaic symbols, please let us know!
Apotropaic symbols are marks or objects that are believed to have the power to avert evil or harm. They are often found in buildings, especially in places that are considered vulnerable to supernatural threats, such as doorways, windows, fireplaces, or stairs. Apotropaic symbols can take various forms, such as geometric shapes, letters, numbers, animals, plants, or human figures.
The term "apotropaic" comes from the Greek word "apotropaios," meaning "to turn away" or "to avert."
In England and Cornwall, apotropaic symbols have a long history and a rich variety. Some of the most common symbols include:
The hexafoil or daisy wheel, which is a six-petalled flower made of intersecting circles. It is thought to represent the sun or the eye of God, and to ward off witches and the evil eye.
The pentagram or pentangle, which is a five-pointed star made of a single continuous line. It is associated with the five wounds of Christ, the five senses, or the five elements, and is believed to protect against demons and magic.
The Solomon's knot, which is a looped interlace pattern that has no beginning or end. It is linked to the wisdom and power of King Solomon, who was said to have control over spirits and to possess a magic ring.
The Marian mark, which is a stylized M with a crown above it. It is another symbol of the Virgin Mary, who is invoked as a protector against evil and disease.
The burn mark, which is a scorch mark made by a candle or a poker on a wooden surface. It is intended to mimic the effect of lightning, which is seen as a sign of divine intervention and a deterrent to evil forces.
Apotropaic symbols are a fascinating aspect of the cultural and religious heritage of England and Cornwall. They reveal the beliefs, fears, and hopes of the people who made and used them, and they offer a glimpse into the hidden meanings and mysteries of the past.
If you think you've found any protective or apotropaic symbols, please let us know!
