St John of Beverley and St John of Bridlington

Part of a pilgrim badge from the shrines of St John of Beverley and St John of Bridlington. These Yorkshire shrines were 11 miles apart but, as both saints are depicted on this badge, it appears that the pilgrim souvenir makers collaborated to celebrate the saints together. St John of Beverley is shown on the right, wearing bishop’s vestments, holding a staff and raising his right hand in blessing. St John of Bridlington is on the left and is wearing a canon’s habit and holding a book in his left hand. He also has his right arm raised, though his hand is missing. Both saints are missing their heads. In between the figures is a pedestal base, probably from a cross, and two inscriptions in black-letter. The top inscription reads ‘B[e]uerley’ and the bottom one says ‘Bridlinton’.

St John of Beverley was the Bishop of York in the 8th century. He founded a monastery at what became Beverley, to which he retired before his death. He was the patron saint of the noble Percy family but also had a reputation for helping prisoners and ships at sea during storms. St John of Bridlington was the prior of Bridlington Priory. Miracles were reported at his tomb after his death and he was declared a saint at the beginning of the 15th century. Kings Henry IV and Henry V visited his shrine. Henry V claimed that both saints were responsible for victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Pilgrims came from across the country to visit these popular shrines, particularly in the 15th century.