pilgrim badge

This pilgrim badge from the late medieval period would have been bought by a Christian whilst on a pilgrimage to a holy site. Badges were made of cheap metals like pewter and lead as they were easy to produce and this made them affordable. Pilgrims of high status would often have their own badge made in gold or silver to show off their wealth and importance. This example is made of silver.

This incomplete badge depicts Saint Christopher, a giant, who according to legend carried a child across a treacherous river. The child sat on the giant’s shoulder and began to bear great weight down on him as they crossed. Once safely across, the child revealed himself to be the infant Christ and that the weight had been that of the whole world. It was in this way that the saint received his name Christopher meaning ‘Christ-Bearer’.

This badge shows Saint Christopher leaning on his staff, carrying the Christ Child on his shoulder. Christ raises his right hand to give his blessing. His now missing left hand probably contained the Orb of Sovereignty, often a symbol used to represent the world.

Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers. He is often the subject of statues near bridges and by roadsides, and is depicted in paintings found at the entrances of Catholic churches. Carrying or wearing tokens of Saint Christopher is still popular today with travellers seeking protection and safe passage on their journeys.