IMC 2011: Sessions

Nowadays, the creation of graffiti is widely deemed a destructive and socially unacceptable practise. In the medieval world, however, it is clear that the etching of words and images into stone walls was actually a permissible act. Medieval graffiti are ubiquitous, found most notably upon the walls and piers of churches; often, although not exclusively, in public spaces where all would have seen them. Taking this into account, along with the importance that was placed upon imagery, symbolism, and sacred spaces at this time, it can be inferred that there was undoubtedly some considerable significance or purpose behind their creation. This notion raises many questions, the most important of which concerns their function; just why were the graffiti created? What do they mean? Yet in spite of the large amount of surviving examples, and the questions that they raise, the subject is one that remains relatively unexplored. In this session, three papers shall investigate these questions, taking into account both the graffiti of the everyday person, such as that found in medieval parish churches, and of the wealthy; specifically, that found in the Prior of Durham's private chapel. In the light of these discussions, it shall be shown that graffiti are an important and yet hitherto undervalued source for the study of medieval history.