Graffiti

We had some errands to run in Chichester this afternoon so thought we’d drop into the cathedral while we were there (after we’d had a cream tea in the nearby crypt). I noticed a few bits of graffiti I hadn’t seen before, including those pictured. I believe the overlapping Vs are an example of apotropaic markings, also known as ritual protection markings or witch marks. The Vs are marian marks, representing the initials of the Virgin Mary. Next time I’m there I’ll be looking out for some of the other markings; in normal times they even do graffiti tours.