Medieval pilgrim-badge of St John
This circular badge depicts the head of St John the Baptist. It
is of the type sold as souvenirs at the major 13th century shrine
of St
John at Amiens Cathedral.
The 4 rings enabled the badge to be sewn on to a hat, cloak or
tunic. It is very unusual to find a badge with all stitching rings
intact.
The badge bears an inscription identifying it as the sign of St
John the Baptist. The back of the badge is decorated with a holy
rood design.
St John the Baptist was the patron saint of Perth during the Middle
Ages. Indeed the town was known as Saint John?s toun, and is so
marked on the 13th century Mappa
Mundi, housed in Hereford Cathedral.
