From Cologne to Lancashire - the St Ursula pilgrim badge in context

In 2011 a rare late-medieval pilgrim badge was found near Walton Hall, Walton-le-Dale. It is a rare and beautifully cast silver badge of Saint Ursula's companion, who according to legend was killed in Germany in the 4th century AD.
Currently on display at Clitheroe Castle Museum this fascinating object is the starting point of an exploration of a saint cult that was hugely significant in Germany and central Europe but little known in England - what can it tell us about perceptions of saintliness, gender norms and the significance of pilgrimage in the fifteenth century?

Dr Sam Riches is a cultural historian with a special interest in pseudo-historical saints, gender and monsters - her main focus is on the ways that religious devotion is expressed in the art and literature of the late medieval period.
Sam was inspired to research the cult of St Ursula during a visit to Romania some twenty years ago, when she realised just how much complexity is found in the written and visual evidence of this significant European saint cult.

Talk is £5 per ticket and includes tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival and a free pass to visit the museum. You will receive your free pass on arrival to be used within 30 days. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. To book your ticket click here 

The pilgrim badge is one of 50 objects curated by our conservation and collection team to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the modern county council and museum service. Each week from 29 May a new object representing a different aspect of the county and its history, celebrating the wealth and diversity of our heritage will be released. To read more click here

Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council's Museum Service on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.