IT HAS been the scourge of most modern cities.

Few places have escaped the defacing of walls and infrastructure by youths armed with a spray can.

But, believe it or not, this is no modern phenomenon - it was blighting Southampton more than 500 years ago.

The city's most historic monument, the Bargate, has been unseen for more than 15 years but now the doors have been reopened on the medieval gateway to reveal markings on the walls inside dating back to the 15th century.

The medieval graffiti is among the things visitors at the grade one listed building can see after the Southamp-ton Heritage Federation opened the building as a visitor centre.

Small faces, figures and even a wooden ship are just some of the etchings on the walls in what was once a medieval holding cell and on the doorway to a 300-year-old toilet.

Archaeologist Dr Andy Russell, who is manager of the city council's archaeology unit, said: "The markings are probably 15th century. The first record of the Bargate holding people was in the 15th century before they were tried in the courthouse upstairs.

"We really don't know who did this graffiti but a lot of it is merchant markings as this was a merchant's gate.

"It would have to be something metal to make the markings. The stone is Isle of Wight limestone and the exterior is Caen limestone.

"There is a story of one person who funded his escape to Salisbury by selling the prison bars to a local scrap merchant. We do know the person who managed to get out had knives on him, people were allowed knives in prison then."

Dating from 1180, the Bargate has been a gatehouse, civic reception hall, courthouse and prison.

Its colourful history is now on display. Visitors can see two 11ft tall wooden panel paintings of the legendary Sir Bevois, son of the once Earl of Southampton, and his squire Ascupart, which both date from medieval times and used to adorn the front of the gatehouse. .

Bargate manager Andy Jones, who runs a team of 14 volunteers, said: "The city council has been good to give us the opportunity to do this. We have had 8,345 through the doors in the last six weeks and that is out of season with very little advertising." The Bargate is open from 10am to 4.30pm weekdays and Saturdays and 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays.