A medieval lead badge in the form of the head reliquary of St. Thomas Becket (which contained part of the saint's skull lopped off when he was murdered in 1170), is just one of many that have been found at the bottom of the River Stour in Canterbury. Such badges would have been worn by pilgrims visiting the holy site of St. Thomas' martyrdom, Canterbury Cathedral. According to the late Geoff Egan, they may have been thrown into the River Stour as a votive offering of thanks for the blessing of having made the journey successfully. The River Stour pilgrims' badges have been acquired by Canterbury Museum.
Photo Credit Portable Antiquities Scheme
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