Lincoln Cathedral Graffiti Hunters

Volunteer graffiti hunters wanted!

The Lincoln Cathedral Connected project is offering people the unique opportunity to be part of a group that hunts and records historic graffiti inscribed on the stone surfaces inside the magnificent Cathedral.

The Connected team is calling for volunteers to undertake a day of training to become an official graffiti hunter and to get involved with the team’s research to uncover and record the many markings found around the building to decipher their meanings and stories.

Participants can choose from two graffiti hunter training days which are on Thursday 18 January or Saturday 27 January from 10am-4:30pm and are held at the Connected Office 27 Minster Yard. Following the one day of training the volunteers will take part in one day of graffiti hunting and recording in the Cathedral. The result will be to give a concise record of the Cathedrals graffiti and the information may be used in guided tours and exhibitions.

Fern Dawson, from the Lincoln Cathedral Connected project, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to learn to find, photograph and record graffiti inside Lincoln Cathedral. Participants will gain new knowledge of an often-overlooked aspect of Lincolnshire’s heritage, which we are keen to unveil to our visitors.

“Some of the graffiti we are already aware of dates back to medieval times but with such a vast Cathedral, who knows how much more graffiti there is to be discovered and to better understood. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to support the Cathedral, learn a new skill and be involved in this unique research project, the findings of which will be used to the delight of many visitors to come.”

Brian Porter, the Lincoln Cathedral graffiti project leader, said: “I’m looking for people who are keen to learn basic archaeological recording techniques or who are fascinated in why people want to leave their personal marks on a place. We would encourage anyone who wants to learn more about Lincoln’s heritage to take part.

“We have discovered some fascinating graffiti over the last few years. I’m pleased to be able to share this opportunity with the public to find more hidden treasures. There are only 11 spaces now available on a first come first served basis, so I’d suggest people register their interest as soon as possible.”

Connected is a Heritage Lottery Fund-backed project to radically improve the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience.

To volunteer to take part in the scheme contact the Lincoln Cathedral graffiti project leader at lagerbp@btinternet.com