St Thomas Becket

Free-standing figure from the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. This is a hollow-cast tin alloy figure of St Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury who became a saint after he was murdered in the cathedral by four knights of King Henry II on 29 December 1170. Becket is shown holding his right hand up in blessing. Over his left arm is draped a maniple (an embroidered band of silk). He is carrying a cross-staff in his left hand but its top has not survived.

Canterbury was the most important centre of pilgrimage in England and the pilgrims that travelled there frequently bought souvenirs of their pious journey such as ampullae (small bottles for holy water), badges and figurines. Free-standing figurines were probably produced by ampulla makers. Such figurines were in production during the late 13th century and first half of the 14th.