The history of tattooing normally hold that the practice emerged from the South Seas. The word tattoo itself is a combination of the word Tu (Polynesian for Strike) and Tatau (Tahitian for Marking).

But there is evidence to suggest that there was a precedence in Europe and during the Middle Ages specifically. Tattoos themselves were most likely to be found on religious leaders and Priests.

Devotional themes were popular, with bible passages, fish and Jesus being the most common. Pilgrimage tattoos were also prevalent amongst the wealthier sections of society, the implication being they were rich and pious enough to afford such a journey.

As an interesting aside, it is claimed that when Harold II was killed at the Battle of Hastings, his wife could only identify his body by the words 'Edith' and 'England' tattooed on his chest.