14th century A.D. A pewter pilgrim's badge showing robed Thomas Becket standing facing with his right hand raised in blessing, his left with crooked elbow and hand holding a transverse cross-headed staff; the head absent, with pin to reverse. See Spencer, Brian, Medieval Finds from Excavations in London - Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Museum of London, 2010, no.119b, for a similar example. 5.62 grams, 55 mm (2 1/8 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]