Rights Holder: North Lincolnshire Museum
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Unique ID: NLM-BDF6C3
Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Lead alloy possible pilgrim badge. Cast openwork circular badge with features in low relief on both sides. A low knop at the edge may represent the stub of a pin or, less likely, a suspension loop. The openwork form would also permit sewn attachment. Features common to both sides are the circular frame and three vertical features: the central one has a triangular feature on its top [or base], while the other two are shorter and probably bent at their tops [or bases] to meet the frame.
The framing element has inner and outer borders and on the more detailed side is subdivided by ribs defining about twenty six rectangular compartments, larger and smaller alternating. Every larger compartment is occupied by a central pellet, of which there are thirteen in all. The pellets might be entirely decorative, or may represent lettering for an illiterate audience, perhaps along an heraldic belt or Garter. The three vertical members could form the letter W, for Walsingham, Norfolk, the greatest Marian cult centre in England, or, if the object were inverted or viewed thus by its wearer, the letter M for Mary. The major elements are as described above on the other side also, except that the border lacks rectilinear divisions and pellets, and is here subdivided by curving lines which appear as the ends of a left hand spiral. These define at least twenty compartments, all apparently empty.
The triangular top to the central member might refer to the gabled House of the Virgin. This was believed to have been miraculously transported to East Anglia, and to visit it was an important aspect of The Walsingham Experience. Three figures would also recall the conventional depiction of the Crucifixion to a medieval viewer: Christ on His Cross, flanked by Mary and St John, was the subject of numerous devotional works. In the outdoor sculptural rendition known as a Calvary, the Cross would sometimes be roofed. This is perhaps a deliberately allusive aspect of the design. Other possibilities might be considered, including the representation of a bell. Finally, this might be a secular or livery badge bearing an obscure or unidentified sign of allegiance - Ferrybridge saw fierce fighting preliminary to the Battle of Towton (1461), the bloodiest battle fought on English soil, which would provide ample context for many such casual losses.
Style and execution are somewhat crude, and might ally this piece to cheap lead alloy jewellery popular in the 13th century. However, this would usually carry much more detail than appears here, so this object may merely reflect the cheaper end of a range of badges and its low quality may not be of chronological significance. A close parallel was not encountered in the standard reference works dealing with religious and secular badges (Mitchiner 1986; Spencer 1990, 1998; Lewis 2014). In view of its apparent rarity this may be considered a find of note. Suggested date: Medieval, 1200-1500.
Diameter: 28.6mm, Thickness: 2.8mm, Weight: 7.62ms.
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 7.62 g
Diameter: 28.6 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 8th June 2015
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Other reference: NLM29091
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.