A lead-alloy pilgrim badge in the shape of the bust of Thomas à Becket with chasuble and mitre, showing the archbishop wearing the richly decorated mitre and amice; the bust showing the sideburns, a drooping moustache and lentoid eyes and pupils, pinched nose and pursed mouth; the mitre with decorative pellets and roundels; the shoulders with similarly ornamented collar and garments; the head convex in section.

PROVENANCE:
Found near Bythorn, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK in 2012.

LITERATURE:
See Mitchiner M. Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges p.155-158; this mould not represented.

FOOTNOTES:
Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury from 1162, was murdered in 1170 AD at the behest of King Henry II. Soon after his death, a popular cult emerged and Becket became the symbol of the conflict between temporal and spiritual rulers at a time when European monarchs were struggling to affirm their sovereignty over the Church. Accounts of miracles at the sanctuary of Christ Church Cathedral in Canterbury began to circulate, and Becket's tomb quickly became a popular pilgrimage destination. His growing renown led to his canonization little more than two years after his death, officially endorsing popular practice and belief. Pilgrims could buy mementos at the shrine such as badges like this one, which spread the saint's fame through much of northern Europe.