Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Saint Thomas Beckett Pilgrim Badge
(Medieval Europe )
After Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, a cult emerged and he 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.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Pete N. Nickolas (Helios Old World Antiques), Westminster, Maryland, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1987, by purchase
Geographies
United Kingdom, England, Canterbury (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 1 9/16 x W: 9/16 in. (3.9 x 1.5 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, 1987
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
55.92