In January 2020, a metaldetectorist searching near Fordham in Cambridgeshire discovered a curious, small leadalloy object. On it was depicted a crowned, seated figure holding a fleur-de-lis-topped sceptre in one hand and a book in the other. Around the edge was an abbreviated inscription in Latin.What he had found was a medieval pilgrim badge, though no ordinary one. Dutifully, he reported his object to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Intriguingly, twelve years previously, PAS staff had recorded a similar badge, also from Fordham. Less complete than the 2020 find, the figure on it had been erroneously identified as the 10thcentury saint Edgar the Peaceful.The more complete inscription around the edges of the later find allowed identification of the figure as Saint Margaret of Scotland. As such, these badges are the first ever recovered that reference the cult of St Margaret.
Pilgrim badges are part of a wider group of souvenirs, purchased as mementoes of a voyage to a specific shrine or an indication of special devotion to a particular saint. Pilgrimage was a popular activity in the medieval world, as diverse in practice as the many differing motives that led individuals to undertake such a journey. These could include as penance for a sin committed, a search for healing,
