PILGRIM BADGE

A Medieval lead alloy pilgrim badge: Tau badge dating to the 15th century. This is a badge in the form of a Tau (19th letter of the Greek alphabet) decorated with beading around the edge and along both midlines and a ‘pearl’ at each outward facing corner. These ‘pearls’ are solid projections of ring and dot motifs. At the base is a small irregular projection; on other Tau badges there is a loop from which a bell would probably have been suspended. There is not enough remaining on this badge to indicate whether there would have been a suspension loop or not. On the reverse is the slightly flattened pin and catchplate. Similar Tau badges are illustrated in Spencer (1998: 176-7) but both examples have a moulded crucified Christ depicted on the front surface. Spencer notes that these T-shaped badges have been found in 15th century contexts in London. Tau badges are the symbol of the Knights of St Antony. Dimensions: length: 29.69; width: 26.70mm; thickness: 3.17mm; weight: 2.35g. Reference: Spencer, B. 1998. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges. The Stationery Office, London. Identification and dating by Tony Pilson and Ian Smith based on foreshore context. Notes: Spencer (1998-177) writes, “St Antony’s Hospital in Threadneedle Street belonged to the Order of Hospitallers of St Antony… During the 15th century the London house had a succession of distinguished masters who succeeded in raising the hospital’s importance and in augmenting its clientele of pilgrims.” They produced pilgrim badges at this site which were copying the badge of the order which was the Tau cross. At this time the Tau cross also became a popular symbol for warding off evil. Reference: Spencer, B. 1998. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges. The Stationery Office, London.