badge mould

This limestone mould would have been used in the Middle Ages for badge-making. It was discovered in a well, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk in 1971. Limestone was the favoured material of the time for carving moulds because of its soft, durable qualities. Metals like lead alloy were then poured into the moulds to create pilgrim or livery badges.

The design on this mould is a white hart (stag) with a tree in the background. This was the symbol of King Richard II (1377-1399). This mould would have been used to make livery badges. Livery badges were typically worn by soldiers, staff members and supporters of the king. They were sold and often gifted to strengthen allegiances to the King. They served as a visual reminder of his authority throughout the land.

In 1381, King Richard II dedicated England to Our Lady (Virgin Mary) in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. This was as an act of thanks for his kingdom being saved in the Peasants’ revolt, a great rebellion against the increase in tax, of the same year. It was at this point that England received the title ‘Mary’s Dowry’, meaning gift or donation. This act probably gained King Richard II favour with his subjects. The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was one of the most prominent shrines in Europe at this time. It is thought that King Richard II livery badges were given with alms (donations to charity) to the poor from the almonry. The almonry was a place near or in a church where the almoner (overseer of alms) would distributed alms to the most needy.

The mould belongs to the Anglican Guardians of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham but is currently in the care of Norwich Castle Museum.