Saturday 27 September 2025, 1000
Run time approx 1 hour
Free, but donations are welcome
Start your weekend of exploring York during the York Unlocked festival by learning about historic graffiti with Emma Bryning.
Emma Bryning is PhD Researcher working on a collaborative project with the University of York and English Heritage which has sought to understand why historic graffiti matters and to whom. This talk will draw on graffiti recorded at over forty English Heritage sites, exploring how these marks can reveal fascinating stories from the past that would otherwise remain hidden or unknown despite being written on the walls of some of England's most iconic heritage sites.
Historic graffiti examples discussed will include graffiti left by Conscientious Objectors during the First World War in a Cell Block at Richmond Castle; 19th century tourist graffiti left on the Elizabethan Kirby Hall; prisoner graffiti at Dover Castle and Portchester Castle; burn marks left on the ceiling of the Barracks at Berwick-upon-Tweed by 19th century soldiers, and graffiti from the Second World War left at Belsay Hall, Audley End and Richmond Castle.
Once you start spotting historic graffiti, you will not be able to stop! Carry on spotting as you explore the rest of the buildings opening as part of York Unlocked. There will be a specific tours discovering the graffiti at Holy Trinity Goodramgate on 27 September 2025 at 1130am (ie: immediately after this talk). Please book a place via this link:Leaving a Mark: Tours of the Graffiti at Holy Trinity Goodramgate Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
The graffiti tours will also take place on 27 September 2025 at 1400 and 28 September 2025 at 1130 and 1400.
Holy Trinity, Goodramgate: seating and access information
Please note that due to the age of the building the floors are uneven and light levels low throughout. The inside temperature is usually colder than that outside. Seating will be in historic fixed box pews. Seating is unreserved, sightlines are variable and you may be asked to share a pew. Blankets are available on request (subject to availability). Please feel free to bring cushions or blankets with you to make your visit more comfortable.
The building is wheelchair accessible save for the Sunken Chapel. Any questions, please contact york@thecct.org.uk. Please allow time for a response since this address is not constantly monitored.
