Medieval 'Thames' Head of Saint Thomas Becket Pilgrim's Badge 14th century A.D. A pewter pilgrim's badge in the form of the facing mitred head of Thomas Becket showing a pronounced 'double' chin feature, with pin to reverse; with small card giving details. See Spencer, Brian, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue 2 - Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, S&SW Museum, 1990, no.23, which also shows the distinctive chin feature; see Spencer, Brian, Medieval Finds from Excavations in London - Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Museum of London, 2010, no.83-84, for similar examples. 3.94 grams, 41 mm (1 1/2 in.). Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection (part 4), Essex, UK. The story of the martyrdom of Thomas at the hands of Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton is well known; Thomas was in conflict with Henry II and had only recently returned from exile in France when these four knights, seeking to please Henry, travelled to Canterbury and slew Thomas in the cathedral; Henry was obliged to do public penance for the act and Becket's shrine became the major focus for pilgrimages in Britain and beyond. [No Reserve]