John Schorn

Part of a pilgrim badge from the shrine of John Schorn, from North Marston in Buckinghamshire. John Schorn was the miracle-working rector of North Marston from around 1282 until his death in 1315. His tomb became a popular pilgrimage destination, particularly in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Schorn became famous as an exorcist who trapped the Devil in a boot. This is a fragment from the top of a badge which would have depicted Schorn standing at an altar within the frame of an architectural canopy. All that remains of this badge is Schorn’s head, which is surrounded by a halo, and the top of the canopy, which is decorated with crocketed pinnacles. A mould from a similar style of badge has been found near North Marston, indicating where such badges were made.