From Cologne to Lancashire – the St Ursula pilgrim badge
In 2011 a rare late-medieval pilgrim badge was found near Walton Hall, Walton-le-Dale. It is a rare and beautifully cast silver badge of Saint Ursula’s companion, who according to legend was killed in Germany in the 4th century AD. Historians believe it may very well have been purchased by a person of high status, possibly during a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Ursula in Cologne, Germany.
It may have become separated from its owner during the time of Henry VIII, whose reign saw the religious turbulence of the 16th century known as the ‘Reformation’ and halted pilgrimages and the veneration of saints. It is thought that it was deliberately destroyed, by folding over, as a final act related to the completion of the pilgrimage. In this context, it may have been thrown away on purpose, as opposed to being lost.
It can currently be seen as part of the The “Hidden Hoards & Fascinating Finds” exhibition at Clitheroe Castle Museum, which is running from 11th July 2025 to 15th March 2026. It will showcase some of Lancashire’s most significant archaeological discoveries, including the Waddington Hoard and the Pendleton Bead. The exhibition is included with museum admission.
- This pilgrim badge was found near Walton Hall, Walton-le-Dale, Preston. It is a rare and beautifully cast silver badge of Saint Ursula, who according to legend was killed in Germany in the 4th century AD.
- The mass production of pilgrim badges flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries, making them affordable to a wide range of people as souvenirs at Christian pilgrimage sites.
- This badge dating to the early 16th century may have been acquired at the shrine of St Ursula in Cologne, Germany. Most badges were made of copper-alloy rather than precious metals, so this silver badge was probably bought by a person of high status, possibly associated with Walton Hall.
- The 16th century was a time of immense religious change known as the Reformation. In the 1530s King Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church, appointing himself head of the Church of England. A turbulent period of religious reform followed which saw the dissolution of the monasteries, including Whalley and Sawley Abbeys in Lancashire. Pilgrimages were discouraged, as was the veneration of saints.
- It’s believed there may be a connection between the pilgrim badge and a popular uprising of thousands of people called ‘the Pilgrimage of Grace’ which broke out in the north of England in 1536, in protest against Henry XVIII’s religious reforms.
- Thousands took part, including monks from Sawley Abbey where a local force of around 3000 men gathered. A song known as the ‘Sawley Ballad’ was used as a marching song by the rebels. It was the most serious uprising of the Tudor period.
Portable Antiquities Scheme
The rare St Ursula badge was originally donated to Museum of Lancashire through the ‘Portable Antiquities Scheme‘. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is managed by the British Museum and records archaeological finds discovered by the public. The Museum of Lancashire is currently closed to the public, but the item is generally on display at one of The Lancashire Museums Service’s venues. The Lancashire Museums Service is part of Lancashire County Council, and manages a collection of museums and archives throughout the county. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is managed by the British Museum in England and records archaeological finds discovered by the public.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. Every year many thousands of archaeological objects are discovered, many of these by metal detector users, but also by people whilst out walking, gardening or going about their daily work. Finds recorded with the Scheme help advance knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales.
Website: https://finds.org.uk/
Researching – Recovering – Recording – Retaining British History
‘The St Ursula’s Pilgrim Badge’ – ‘The Story of Her Rebirth’ is an article on the The Priscan Archaeology project website. It describes how the badge was discovered, on April 21st 2011, by Paul King of Priscan Archaeological Survey Team.
Priscan Archaeology: https://www.recoveryofhistory.com/the-badge-of-st-ursula.html
St Ursula – The Story Behind The Badge
This is a short video shot by Samuel Palmer for ITV’s ‘Britain’s Secret Treasures’ depicting the story behind the finding of the St Ursula’s pilgrims badge by Paul King. Mariella Frostrup presents a beautiful and fascinating piece on on St Ursula and her virginal entourage. Samuel Palmer also directed and produced films for the Derren Brown series of unique speciality programs featured on C4.