Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; mid-late 15th century
Sun of York
Livery badge of the Sun of York. The centre is a circle filled with a face. Around the edge are the sun's rays. Supporters of the noble families fighting for power during the Wars of the Roses wore badges to show their allegiance. The 'sun in splendour' is said to be King Edward IV's favourite badge and was designed by him after he defeated the Lancastrian army at Mortimer's cross in 1461. Unusual weather conditions that day created an illusion that there were three suns in the sky before the battle, which the king took to be a good omen. Edward was from the royal house of York and his rivals came from the royal house of Lancaster.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- 78.128/1
- Object name:
- Sun of York
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; mid-late 15th century
- Material:
lead alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- DM 41 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.