Exploring Centuries of Graffiti at St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney: A Detailed Survey

The historic St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney, has recently been the focus of a fascinating graffiti survey that has uncovered centuries-old markings left by pilgrims, congregants, and visitors to the site. The survey, which recorded over 600 marks spanning from the medieval period to the present day, sheds light on the changing attitudes towards graffiti over time.

The survey was inspired by the work of the Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey and spearheaded by Fran Flett Hollinrake, the cathedral’s custodian. With the help of over 70 volunteers, the team meticulously documented masons’ marks, name-and-date inscriptions, crosses, patterns of dots, drawings, and even modern graffiti like a Blue Peter sticker from 1984.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the survey was the discovery of apotropaic or protective marks, including Marian marks invoking the Virgin Mary and ritual protection marks like the daisy wheel or hexafoil design. These marks, along with crosses and other religious symbols, offer a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the cathedral’s visitors over the centuries.

The survey also uncovered connections to other sites, such as Durham Cathedral, through shared masons’ marks, hinting at a network of craftsmen working on multiple projects. Additionally, the survey revealed modern graffiti left by service personnel stationed in Orkney during the World Wars, providing a unique opportunity for further research and historical exploration.

Overall, the graffiti survey at St Magnus Cathedral has unearthed a treasure trove of historical and cultural insights, offering a tangible connection to the people who have passed through the cathedral’s doors over the centuries. As Fran Flett Hollinrake aptly puts it, these markings are “faint echoes of people who lived a long time ago, and whose stories have been lost,” but with the modern graffiti, “we can still find and speak to the people who created them.”