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Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token

Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token

$250.00

Description

DATE: Antique, c.1920

A large lead token depicting S. Thomas Becket giving a blessing in full Archbishop vestiges riding a horse. Lettering to the reverse states:
CANTERBURY PILGRIMS' TOKEN
St THOMAS A BECKET
CAST FROM THE ORIGINAL MOULD IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM

These tokens (the originals, I mean) would have been carried by pilgrims and were often ritually thrown into the river Thames on completion of their pilgrimage to Beckets shrine in Canterbury Cathedral. This one's a souvenir that I can only presume was sold at the British museum, probably to accompany an exhibition or possibly just stocked in their gift shop. It dates from the first half of the 20th century, circa 1920. 

Thomas Becket (aka Saint Thomas of Canterbury or Thomas of London) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 116 until his murder in 1170. A venerated saint and martyr of both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, he engaged in conflict with King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church, and was duly murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by supporters of the monarchy.

MEASUREMENTS 

8.8 x 7.6cm

MARKS 

N/A - I believe its lead as the metal is quite soft and heavy. 

CONDITION 

Very good

Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token Antique Replica Canterbury Pilgrims' Token