The Portable Antiquities Scheme

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An incomplete lead pilgrim brooch, probably of the Canterbury pilgrimage. The brooch is oval in plan though somewhat distorted, with a large oval opening in the centre. The frame has a flat outer perimeter which angles upwards and inwards and ends with a flat inner perimeter. The surface of the inner perimeter contains lettering all the way round, but most of it is illegible. A small rectangular hole is placed part way through this inscription, presumably placed just before the beginning. Following the hole the inscription starts with an initial cross. Then follows the letters: IE S(reversed)VS(reversed)[...]?RE[...]S(reversed)?RE[...]DEO.

A border of pellets marks the flat outer part of the frame just before it angles upwards. The outer perimeter of the frame is damaged but it is clear that there were once six collets and six busts; only one collet and one bust survive. The bust is too worn to determine any features, however similar brooches often display male and female busts alternately.

Similar lead brooches bearing inscriptions that relate to St Thomas Becket are illustrated in Spencer, 'Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges' (London: The Stationary Office, 1998), pp124-127, nos 131-133. The style of lettering on these examples places them in the 14th century, as would the style of lettering on this example. The wording on this particular brooch does not appear to match any of the above mentioned examples however.

No references cited so far.

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Created: Tuesday 10th January 2012
Updated: Tuesday 10th January 2012