Rattle

Part of a pilgrim souvenir in the form of a spherical openwork rattle. Only half the rattle has survived and it has been flattened. It would have originally contained shells or pebbles. Several rattles like these have been in London but it is uncertain which shrine they came from. Rattles may have been bought as pilgrim souvenirs for children. Noise-making souvenirs such as bells and whistles could be bought at a variety of pilgrimage centres – the noise was thought to protect the owners from harm. Rattles may have had a similar function and therefore be used by adults as well as children.