Have you ever noticed the amount of names, initials and letters that are etched into the stones at Tonbridge Castle? I hadn't really noticed them before, but yesterday I was looking closely at the castle walls, and around eye level it is noticeable just how many there are. So, is this vandalism or simply a romantic notion? What stone damage does do is change the visual face of history, but at the same time it can also add its own history too. For instance take the example of ancient graffiti carved into the walls in Pompeii and The Forum in Rome. This is now protected as it has helped us gain understanding into the lifestyles of past cultures.
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| WO 1849 |
It made me wonder who carved letters WO into the sandstone at Tonbridge Castle in 1849? This was the year of a serious outbreak of cholera in the town so perhaps it is connected in some way. Yes, I think I am clutching at straws, but I have to admit I do enjoy the mystery of history.
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| Goodridge 1954 |
Sheets of paper and flat crayons required here for some wall rubbings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find!
You got us all looking up at rooftops, now we'll have our noses to the walls!
It's just so amazing what we don't notice.
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