Historic Castle Unveils Soldier Graffiti in Startling Revelation

Over 50 etchings made by soldiers were found on the door of an English castle, in what has been described as an amazing discovery. Among the graffiti, there is a depiction that may show French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte being hanged.

The door was recently uncovered at Dover Castle in southeast England, according to a press release from charity English Heritage. The door has since been carefully preserved and will be showcased to the public in July.

The soldiers living inside the castle between 1789 and 1855 are believed to be the creators of the graffiti on the door.

During the 1790s, the castle underwent renovation in response to the threat of invasion from Napoleon in France. It was changed from an "aging medieval castle" to a "modern military garrison," according to the statement.

Thousands of soldiers were stationed within the castle walls. At any given time, six to 12 men were assigned to guard St. John's Tower, where the unique door was located, in the castle's outer ditch.

According to English Heritage, the soldiers, having plenty of free time and perhaps lacking in artistic skills, may have passed the time by carving into the door. It is believed that they used knives or bayonets to create the unusual artwork on the door.

One etching on the door portrays a man in a military uniform and a bicorne hat being hanged. Some historians believe this could be a representation of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

One etching on the door shows a man wearing a military uniform and a bicorne hat being hanged. Historians suggest that this could be a depiction of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Jim Holden from English Heritage has pointed out that there are at least nine illustrations on the door depicting people being hanged. One of these illustrations shows a man in a military uniform and a bicorne hat, believed to be Napoleon.

Raphael Pitchal and Jean Christophe Chataignier from Osenat's auction house are seen in the image removing the protective cover from one of Napoleon's iconic black hats. The hat, worn by the French ruler during the 19th century and his military campaigns in Europe, is expected to be sold for over half a million euros at the upcoming auction. The collection of Napoleonic memorabilia being auctioned was carefully gathered by a French industrialist.

Raphael Pitchal, left, and Jean Christophe Chataignier of Osenat's auction house remove the protection of one of the signature broad, black hats that Napoléon wore when he ruled 19th century France and waged war in Europe at Osenat's auction house in Fontainebleau, south of Paris, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The hat is tipped to fetch more than half a million euros (dollars) at the auction Sunday of Napoleonic memorabilia patiently collected by a French industrialist. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Christophe Ena/AP

Related article

Napoleon, who declared himself emperor of France in 1804, was known for his iconic hats. Recently, one of his trademark hats was sold at an auction for a record-breaking $2.1 million.

Throughout his reign, Napoleon left a lasting impact on France as a military leader and ruler. He engaged in wars against various European powers during his time in power. However, his rule came to an end after his defeat by the British at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Following his defeat, Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. It was on this island where he passed away in 1821.

Among the carvings found are depictions of a sailing ship with one mast and a chalice of wine adorned with a detailed cross, believed by English Heritage to symbolize Christian holy communion.

In addition to drawings, the graffiti also features various inscriptions, such as the surnames Downam and Hopper/Hooper, as well as numerous sets of initials.

Three important dates are engraved on the door, according to English Heritage: 1789, marking the French Revolution; 1798, a time of reconstruction at Dover Castle; and 1855, when alterations were planned for St. John's Tower.

More than 50 pieces of graffiti on the door include drawings, initials, names and dates.

More than 50 pieces of graffiti on the door include drawings, initials, names and dates.

Jim Holden/English Heritage

‘Making their mark’

Paul Pattison, English Heritage’s senior properties historian, said that the door was discovered after someone scaled a ladder to the upper floor of St. John’s Tower.

Pattison was amazed to discover the remarkable carvings on the door.

The graffiti on the door provides a special insight into the thoughts of the soldiers, particularly during such a tense period.

He explained that the door is special because it represents how an ordinary person can leave their mark, whether for fun or to be remembered.

The door will be showcased at Dover Castle in July as part of an interactive visitor experience called "Dover Castle Under Siege."

Editor's P/S:

The discovery of the etched door at Dover Castle is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of soldiers during a turbulent period in history. The intricate carvings, including the possible depiction of Napoleon Bonaparte, offer a unique perspective on the soldiers' experiences and their artistic expression. It is remarkable that such a significant piece of history has been preserved and will now be accessible to the public, providing a tangible connection to the past.

The graffiti on the door not only depicts historical figures but also reveals the soldiers' personal lives. The initials, names, and dates serve as a reminder of the individuals who lived and served within the castle walls. The chalice of wine, symbolizing Christian holy communion, hints at the soldiers' spiritual beliefs and the importance of faith during wartime. The discovery of the etched door is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of art to capture the essence of a time and place.