St Martin

Pilgrim badge from the shrine of St Martin in Tours, France. The basilica of St Martin at Tours was a popular pilgrimage destination, especially for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St James of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. St Martin was born in Hungary in 316 AD. He became a cavalry soldier in the Roman army and was stationed in France. In 361 Martin helped to establish the first monastery in France and in 372 he became the Bishop of Tours. During his life and afterwards, St Martin was renowned as a miracle worker. The most famous story from his life is depicted on this badge: while he was still a soldier he cut his cloak in two and gave half to clothe a beggar who was suffering in the cold. That night Martin dreamt that Jesus Christ spoke to him while wearing the half-cloak – this made Martin determined to live his life as a pious Christian. On this badge St Martin is shown on horseback, wearing armour and turning in his saddle to give his cloak to the beggar. The figure of the beggar is missing, as is the head of St Martin and his horse’s head and legs.