Thomas of Lancaster

Several parts of a pilgrim badge from the shrine of Thomas of Lancaster at St John’s Priory in Pontefract. This openwork badge, if complete, would have depicted the various events leading up to the Thomas of Lancaster’s execution. As it is large and delicate, this ‘badge’ may actually be a devotional panel for display at home rather than for wearing. The frame splits the panel into four scenes: in the top left Thomas is holding his hands together in prayer while being held captive; in the top right he may be receiving his sentence of death at court; in the bottom left he is riding on horseback to the hill where he was executed (only his head and one of his horse’s legs survives on this badge); in the bottom right is his execution (only his robes survive). There is a garbled inscription on the frame.

Thomas, Earl of Lancaster was a cousin of King Edward II. He attempted to force Edward II to reform his government and stamp out abuses of power. Thomas’s rebellion against the king collapsed and he was executed at Pontefract in 1322. Soon after, people began to think of Thomas as a heroic martyr and miraculous cures started to take place at his tomb and place of execution. Similar miracles occurred in St Paul’s Cathedral in London at a tablet that the earl had set up. Badges depicting Thomas’s execution were popular in the 14th century and were worn by his supporters and pilgrims who visited his shrine.