We might think of graffiti as a new concept usually involving a spray can, but a new exhibition and video from the Tower of London shows a very different story.
The Tower of London was the place where many a royal courtier and even a few queen’s were locked up, usually for displeasing the monarch of the day or simply having the wrong religion.
Today, the people who run the tower have released a video showing what is best described as ancient graffiti, scratched into the walls of the tower by its prisoners, many of whom later became famous or infamous in the history books.
Some of the etchings are simply a name such as “Jane”, which is suspected to be the last testament of Lady Jane Grey who managed to stay on the thrown for a whole 9 days before being ousted and later executed for high treason. There are other possible persons for this too, such as John Dudley’s wife, but we simply don’t know.
Other etchings are much more elaborate, although some remained unfinished. An example being Hugh Draper’s astrological sphere surrounded by signs of the Zodiac which has an embossed effect was one of the most time consuming.
Video of ancient graffiti at the Tower of London:
With thanks to the UK Curiosity Blog for unearthing this.
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