Published Medieval 'Thames' Saint Blaise of Canterbury Pilgrim's Badge
Circa 14th-15th century A.D. An openwork lead pilgrim's badge displaying the wool-combe emblem of St Blaise of Canterbury within a pelletted roundel; complete with pin. Spencer, B., Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, London, 2010, p.176, item 198e. 2.92 grams, 30 mm (1 1/8 in.). Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK.Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK. St Blaise is believed to have been a bishop located somewhere in Asia Minor who was martyred in the early 4th century by beheading, following a period of torture with iron combs which later became his emblem. Canterbury, where his shrine stood behind the high altar and near to that of Saint Thomas Becket, claimed to have relics directly associated with Blaise, and miracles attributed to the saint continued to attract pilgrims into the 15th century. [No Reserve]