The Medieval world: showing loyaltyWhat can medieval seals and badges tell us about political loyalties?

sword

helmetshield

destrier (war horse)

trappingschain mail

A knight’s seal from the early 13th century

surcoat

What can you see?

additional shield

dragon

writing

The writing on the seal is in Latin.

It is also back to front - Why do you think this is?

Here is how the seal would look in a mirror. Can you work out what the words mean?

This Latin word means “Seal”

This Latin word means “son of …”

Why do you think the knight has included a dragon on his seal?

Why do you think he has included the shield of another man?

Identify the two animals shown below

Which of the two badges do you think was more valuable?

Badges of allegiance

Why would people wear these badges?

Do you think many people wore badges just like these?

The boar was the symbol of King Richard III (1483-1485

The swan was the symbol of King Henry IV (1399-1413)

Garter

God and Jesus

Angel holding helmet

Kneeling Knight

A copy of the badge of the Order of the Garter – a very special honour set up by Edward III in 1348

Look closely - What can you see?

Shield of Edward III’s son, the Black Prince

Motto of the Order of the Garter: Hony Soyt Ke Mal Y Pense

The badge was made to be worn at the funeral of the Black Prince. It is made from lead, a cheap material.

Why would people have wanted to wear something like this?

Do you think many people would have worn this badge?

Use the objects you have just studied to say whether you agree with this statement:

“Medieval seals and badges show that knights were loyal to the king”

Find out more about the Medieval world:

Visit the main Museum website

www.britishmuseum.org

Use Explore to look at some of our medieval objects

www.britishmuseum.org/explore/introduction.aspx