Thomas of Lancaster

Part of a pilgrim badge, probably from the shrine of Thomas of Lancaster at St John’s Priory in Pontefract. This fragment depicts the figure of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, about to be executed. He wears a long robe and holds his hands together in prayer. His head and feet are missing, as are the other figures from his so-called martyrdom which would have been depicted on this badge.

Thomas, Earl of Lancaster was a cousin of King Edward II. He attempted to force Edward II to reform his government and stamp out abuses of power. Thomas’s rebellion against the king collapsed and he was executed at Pontefract in 1322. Soon after, people began to think of Thomas as a heroic martyr and miraculous cures started to take place at his tomb and place of execution. Similar miracles occurred in St Paul’s Cathedral in London at a tablet that the earl had set up. Badges depicting Thomas’s execution were popular in the 14th century and were worn by his supporters and pilgrims who visited his shrine.