I found this carving in one of the walls of Dover Castle. I imagine it was carved by one of the royalists/aristocrats who escaped the French Revolution.
It was certainly written by someone literate who had excellent hand writing.
PS Coltrane, one of the smartest guys I know, has found out more about the guy who engraved the sntone. Read the comments to find out more.
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Hi Rose, I did some digging. It appears that this man Abram Walschodt was a prisoner during the Spanish Succession War (1702-1715). Was Dover Castle ever used as a prison for French and Spanish Officers during this time? If so, then our man Abram (who's name you have shown us)did some time there. Don't you love history? So many stories just from a name etched in stone.
Further research gleaned from some Dutch geneology site...Dover Castle was indeed used as a prison during Louis XIVs war of succession. Also, the nice handwriting might suggest Abram was a clerk, since a number of clerks were also imprisoned with their respective officers (likely after 1710). Of course, you've already alluded to the flowing "L"(Louis XIV) "R" (Roi/King). Thanks Rose...I always love a quest. Okay, my break time is over... back to my work in progress.
Old graffiti! Love it.
Thanks for the background info, Coltrane.
The script is beautiful! Great find, Rose! Excellent research, CL!
One final note I forgot to mention. Walschodt was incarcerated there in 1715. As the war came to an end, it would probably have been a short stay for him. Although "short stay" with regard to prison is certainly a "relative" concept, especially in 18th century prisons.
Hi Rose, Coltrane has solved the riddle who it was. He is brilliant. Well done.
Coltrane
Wow...
I m impressed.
And you know what? I had not even noticed his name under it.
Thank you very much :)
Merci John et Mavis et Cali...my head size is now surpassing by shoe size. I just love stories and I find his-tory and her-story truly compelling.
Rose and Kelly...you're welcome. But Rose, it is I who thank you for the inspiration. BTW Rose...still waiting for a good beef marinade. ;-)
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