Once listed as ‘illegible’, the words of inmates held in bleak fortress are revealed by latest technology
Hundreds of graffiti texts scratched into the historic stone walls by prisoners as they awaited their fate have come to light for the first time. Examples that were either overlooked or illegible are emerging through cutting-edge technology., described the discoveries as “exciting”. He began studying the Salt Tower on the south-eastern corner – part of the curtain wall that Henry III built in the 1230s.
One section of a wall bears graffiti by possibly three hands. The dates 1571 and 1576 are also inscribed. These had been listed as “illegible”, but are now being deciphered. While the complete texts have not survived, certain words can be picked out.Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn in Wolf Hall. Henry VIII’s second wife was among the Tower of London’s most famous prisoners.One of the passages seems to be in Breton and may well have been written by a woman.
“We know that there were women at the tower. They’re just not represented in these physical first-person records. This is a rare primary record of a woman’s presence, whether she’s a prisoner herself or the wife of the prisoner.”Most of the graffiti is pictorial, including crosses, which reflect that “a lot of religious prisoners held in this space,” he said. Most of the texts are relatively short and include biblical passages.
Funding for the graffiti study has been made available by a private donor. . Ingram will next focus on the Byward Tower, at the south-west corner of the complex. He said: “There’s some amazing graffiti in there that’s going to allow us to ask some more questions.” But he expressed dismay that today’s visitors are adding their own: “If they’re doing it with a pen or pencil, there’s no evidence that it’s being done until it’s too late. Where we can, we clean it off it gets into the stone and damages it. It’s horrifying that they’re doing it on a monument so significant to us.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Plans for Shafston House tower almost double in heightBrisbane’s historic Shafston House would be dwarfed by a huge new residential tower that, if approved, would dominate the Kangaroo Point skyline.
Read more »
Heritage authority demands removal of beer banners on Melbourne’s 134-year-old shot towerMelbourne Central management has been slammed by heritage advocates for allowing an alcohol ad to blanket the city’s heritage-listed shot tower.
Read more »
Aware Super Fund Buys $214M Brisbane Office Tower, Enters MarketAware Super Fund has made a significant move into Brisbane's office property market by purchasing a $214 million office building in the city's CBD. The acquisition, finalized by Dexus, includes a 27-story, 84% occupied tower with prime office space and expansive views.
Read more »
Melbourne's Shot Tower Wrapped in Controversial Beer AdsMelbourne Central’s 134-year-old Shot Tower has been covered in beer advertising without obtaining permission. Heritage activist Adam Ford criticizes the installation as a crass commercialization of a heritage site.
Read more »
Being best dressed on race day is simple (once you know the rules)Olympian Emma McKeon is leaving the gold behind for Derby Day.
Read more »
Briton dies after drinking ‘psychedelic tea’ that Prince Harry once triedThe 54-year-old mother was visiting a retreat described as a “sacred space” where Westerners go to “expand consciousness”.
Read more »