All Saints, High Laver, Essex

The church of All Saints, High Laver, dates to the 12th century. It has been much restored, which probably accounts for why the only graffiti visible is on the 14th century font.

This has quite extensive graffiti with several compass circles, a heraldic shield and some initials and dates. There are also two deep grooves carved into two of the sides. It is possible that these grooves may be the result of scrapings from the font being taken to be made up into medicines in the Middle Ages.

Report by Anthea Hawdon

All Saints
High Laver
Ongar
CM5 0DX

The church is usually open during daylight hours.

 

 

Search terms: Cross, VA, P, I , W, W, Compass circle, F, other marks, Faint script, Heraldic shield, W, X, other marks, F Sparks, F, other marks, Deep groove, Concentric compass circles, Cross, dot marks, squares, TM1719,