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Symbols
Search researched meanings first, then narrow by tradition, era, object, practical use, style, or emotion.
Medieval European · documented field
Passau Running Wolf Blade Mark
Running Wolf blade mark associated with the swordsmiths of Passau.
Medieval European · documented field
Pelican in Her Piety
Medieval bestiaries told of a pelican piercing her own breast to revive her young with blood, turning the bird into a powerful Christian image of sacrifice, love and redemption.
Medieval European · documented field
Pilgrim Ampulla
Small lead-alloy ampullae let medieval pilgrims carry water, oil or other shrine-associated substances home, turning a sacred journey into something tangible that could be kept and remembered.
Medieval European · documented field
Pilgrim Bell
Small bells survive among the material traces of medieval pilgrimage, including examples linked with Thomas Becket's shrine at Canterbury, where they served as portable reminders of a sacred journey and place.
Medieval European · documented field
Pilgrim Staff and Scrip
The staff and scrip were practical companions of the medieval pilgrim and became instantly recognisable attributes of pilgrimage, evoking the road, endurance, dependence, and devotional purpose.
Medieval European · documented field
Richard Hughson Grocer's Mark
Personal merchant mark associated with Norwich grocer Richard Hughson.
Medieval European · documented field
Saint Christopher Badge
Medieval pilgrim badges showed Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child through water, an image that made the giant saint one of the period's most recognisable patrons of travellers.
Medieval European · documented field
Shrine Pilgrim Badge
Small, affordable shrine badges allowed medieval pilgrims to carry a holy place home with them, serving as wearable signs of devotion, remembrance, and a journey completed.
Medieval European · documented field
Sir Richard Yorke Merchant Mark
Probable merchant mark associated with York civic figure Sir Richard Yorke.
Medieval European · documented field
St Clement's Sandwich Wine Merchant Mark
Unidentified merchant mark at St Clement’s, Sandwich, probably associated with the wine trade.
Medieval European · documented field
Tau Cross
The simple T-shaped Tau Cross became closely associated with Saint Anthony and the medieval Antonines, linking Christian devotion with care for the sick and hopes for healing and protection.
Medieval European · documented field
Thomas Horton Wool Merchant Mark
Merchant mark of Wiltshire wool merchant Thomas Horton.
Medieval European · documented field
Thomas Howell Draper's Mark
Personal merchant mark of London draper Thomas Howell.
Medieval European · documented field
Tree of Jesse
Growing from the reclining figure of Jesse, the medieval Tree of Jesse transformed Christ's ancestry into a living tree of kings, prophets and sacred lineage.
Medieval European · documented field
Vernicle Badge
The vernicle carried the Holy Face of Christ on a small pilgrim badge, allowing medieval travellers to Rome to take home an image associated with the celebrated relic of Veronica's veil.
Medieval European · documented field
Vesica Piscis Mandorla
In medieval Christian art, the almond-shaped mandorla framed sacred figures and heavenly appearances, visually separating divine presence from the ordinary world around it.
Medieval European · documented field
Wheel of Fortune
The medieval Wheel of Fortune turns kings upward and casts them down again, a stark reminder that status, success and worldly fortune can change without warning.
Medieval European · documented field
William Greville Merchant Mark
Personal merchant mark of Cotswold wool merchant William Greville.
Medieval European · documented field
William Holbeck WH Merchant Mark
Probable merchant mark associated with York mercer and mayor William Holbeck.
