Scholars are turning to graffiti for a greater understanding of medieval society, the forthcoming International Medieval Congress (IMC) will hear.
In 2010, graffiti is widely seen as an eyesore and an act of vandalism, holding for many distinctly negative connotations. Like today, graffiti was common in the Middle Ages. However, it held an entirely different significance. Rebecca Williams, from the University of Liverpool, will tell the IMC that in a paper-short world, graffiti offers an invaluable and unique insight into the thoughts and popular culture of medieval society. Often found on the walls, pillars and arches of medieval churches, surviving graffiti can shed light on very specific parts of medieval life, such as the function of the church or the way people practised their devotions. "This research looks at a familiar practise that is widely condemned today, but one that is less familiar in a medieval context, where the use and purpose of graffiti was rather different than in modern times," says Williams. The International Medieval Congress (IMC) runs from 12-15 July and is the largest academic conference in the UK, drawing over 1,500 scholars from around the world.
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