Introduction

This chapter introduces the contents and intentions of the book. It uses the example of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral to demonstrate the lack of acknowledgement of the stonemasons who carried out the actual construction of the building, despite detailed recording of others engaged in the project. The same situation existed in the past, but masons have left their marks on the buildings, and through studying these, it is possible to understand the skills and expertise of the labour force. This book demonstrates an analysis of the different mechanisms at work and their variation according to the purposes intended for the masons’ marks, and moves the debate away from speculation about the ‘meanings’ of marks to an appraisal of their role, acting outside literacy, as a means of communication within a limited group.