The Virgin Mary

Pilgrim badge of the Virgin Mary, possibly from Canterbury, Kent. This badge is in the form of a four-petalled flower within a circular frame which is linked to a medallion depicting the Annunciation (the moment when the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she was to give birth to Christ) on both sides. The medallion is linked to the badge by an s-shaped link. On the medallion the Virgin is depicted on the right-hand side and the Angel Gabriel is on the left. In between the figures is a lily growing out of a pot, which symbolises Mary’s purity, innocence and the immaculate conception of Christ. The lily has three blooms, which show Mary’s virginity before, during and after Christ’s birth. The Dove of the Holy Spirit flies above Gabriel’s head.

Other similar badges depicting Thomas Becket are known from Canterbury so it is likely that these circular framed badges that linked to pendants were made in Canterbury too. Several examples of this type of badge have been found in London and they have different pendants suspended from them such as a miniature bagpipe, a leaf and a purse. It may be that pilgrims could choose which pendant they wanted from a selection of religious and good luck symbols.