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Monday, July 11, 2011

Medieval graffiti reveals how ordinary people practised their faith

Whether you consider graffiti an eye-sore or an art form, scholars at this year’s International Medieval Congress will debate the use of graffiti as an historical source.

Matt Champion of the Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey will identify graffiti as a normal practise, he said: “Much of the graffiti, far from being hidden away in dark corners, was not only highly visible but was tolerated and an accepted and acceptable part of the medieval Christian experience within the parish church.”

Matt Champion describes graffiti as “lay piety”, as it represented a method of devotion and spirituality that did not require the intervention of clergy men.

Click here to read this article from Medievalists.net