The Three Kings

Pilgrim badge from the shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne, Germany. Cologne was a popular pilgrimage destination as the relics of the Three Kings or Magi (the three kings or wise men who visited Jesus Christ shortly after his birth) were transferred to its cathedral from Milan in 1164. London was well connected to Cologne through its trading links and several Cologne pilgrim souvenirs have been found here. The relics of the Three Kings were kept at the cathedral in a golden shrine which still exists. The shrine is in the shape of a church with the Three Kings depicted on the side giving their gifts to Christ. This badge depicts the shrine and has four loops (one missing) for stitching the badge to its wearer’s clothes. The Virgin Mary is shown seated on the left with the baby Jesus Christ on her lap. There is a star above his head. The three kings stand in a line facing her and each one holds a globular container. They are wearing very large crowns. Above the scene, at the top of the badge, is a line of windows, pinnacles and gabled towers.