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This strange badge, although amply illustrating the medieval love of the bawdy, also has a serious message. Apes were often illustrated in medieval art imitating human actions. In this case the ape has taken on the role of a doctor, whose remedies often contained urine. The medieval church despised doctors, who were seen as a threat to the miracle working powers of pilgrimage. As such, this badge may be best thought of as an interesting example of church propaganda.
Original found in Salisbury.
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