A UNIQUE and beautifully cast medieval silver badge has been donated to the Museum of Lancashire.
The badge is believed to be connected with the cult of St Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins. It was uncovered in a field near Preston by Paul King, a retired logistics expert.
The badge is very similar to pilgrims’ badges, which were popular between the late twelfth and early sixteenth centuries.
However, most of these badges were made of lead-alloy, not precious metal.
Valued at around £500, the badge was mistakenly believed to have been acquired by the British Museum, where it had been on display.
However, it has now come home to Preston and will be on temporary display in the MoL for two months.
It will then be conserved before being displayed permanently in the museum.
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