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The picture shows a face (on the right, facing towards your left with a long nose bridge) in the chancel of Newington parish church. |
While graffiti on buildings is regarded as an eyesore and the work of vandals, historians are discovering graffiti dating from medieval times in many Swale churches - including Upchurch, Newington, Lower Halstow and Stockbury.
Their research is revealing that, in the days before spray paints, people would etch images and text into stone buildings.
This medieval graffiti seems generally to have been of a religious nature - figures and symbols - as memorials and thanks for prayers, though eager Victorian restorers managed to destroy many examples.
Graffiti has been found on pillars and walls in many of our local churches.
Historian Alan Anstee, a trustee of Fort Amherst, Chatham, and one of a small number of enthusiasts helping to survey the graffiti, will reveal some of his remarkable findings to Newington History Group on Thursday, September 10th, in the Methodist Hall, Church Lane, at 7:30pm.
The group meets on the second Thursday of each month for anyone interested in the history of the village and the surrounding area. Entry for guests is £3, with members free.
For more details contact: 01795 842711 or Email: thelma@newingtonhistory.co.uk
Richard Thompstone
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