When everyone was called John: a statistical analysis of Post-Medieval letter graffiti at historic sites in the UK

Abstract

SUMMARY This article examines the post-medieval letter graffiti present at historic sites in the UK, and carries out a statistical analysis of the markings across multiple sites, with a view to determining authorship and intent. The data from the graffiti inscriptions is also examined within the wider social history context of naming traditions within the UK and elsewhere, and concludes that a measurable and distinct gender bias is present amongst the historical graffiti that has wide reaching implications with regard to concepts of gendered space and social norms.