Wells Local History Group Talk – Ship Graffiti with Matt Champion

Of all the types of early graffiti to be found in medieval churches, the one that has probably received the most attention is that known as ship graffiti. Across the walls and pillars of churches, cathedrals and chapels images of medieval and later ships sail in a never ending journey across the stonework.

Why are they there? What do they signify? Do they commemorate a hazardous sea voyage or represent a real ship; a long since lost vessel that carried simple souls to view the wonders of far off lands?

This talk examines the possible reasons behind the creation of these ship graffiti images, using hundreds of examples recorded across the UK

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