Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; 14th - 15th century
Swan badge
Livery badge in the shape of a chained swan. The swan wears a collar around its neck, which has a loop for a chain to attach. In the 14th century swan badges were used by various noble families such as the Bohuns to declare their descent from the legendary Knight of the Swan. In 1380 Mary, a Bohun heiress, married the future Henry VI and the swan badge was adopted by the royal house of Lancaster. Supporters of the noble families fighting for power during the Wars of the Roses wore badges to show their allegiance. On one side was the royal house of Lancaster and on the other was the royal house of York.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- A20812
- Object name:
- Swan badge
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; 14th - 15th century
- Material:
lead alloy, tin-alloy, pewter
- Measurements/duration:
- H 32 mm, W 40 mm, T 4 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.