In 2022, the project to restore the bell tower and install a ring of 10 new bells was completed (click here for more details about the bells and bellringing). During the repair works carried out to the roof of the tower in 2021, significant quantities of 18th century graffiti were found on the lead roof coverings and flashings.
‘The collection of graffiti from the tower at St Michael’s is unusual, not in that it covers a large time span or has a large number of individual names, but what is noticeable is that it contains a wide and unusual range of images…’ [specifically the unusual number of] ‘carefully depicted human figures… and highly decorative panels’ and recorded dates are unusual in that they ‘are very much concentrated in the later 18th century’.
(Excerpt from Historic Graffiti on the Tower of St Michael’s Church, Alnwick, Northumberland: Recording And Interpretation – JB Archaeology, Nov 2020)
This graffiti is now the subject of an exciting new display located within the south aisle of St Michael’s Church. Have a go at making your own graffiti tile and add it to the display. Donations are much appreciated to help cover the cost of materials.
Our beautiful graffiti cabinet was made in 2023 by Alan Coulson and John Henderson, with grateful thanks to generous donations from: The Alnwick Lions, The Bill Hugonin Trust, The Henfry Trust, The Barbour Foundation, His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, The Northumberland Estates, The Rothley Foundation, The Stan Owen Heritage Trust, The Ancient Four and Twenty, The Community Fund and many anonymous donors.
Research and text: Jo Scott Heritage; Design: Marcus Byron
