John Shorne was the rector of North Marston in Buckinghamshire from 1290 until 1314. Although not canonised, Shorne was popularly regarded as a Saint. At North Marston a well, miraculously discovered by Shorne during a drought, was said to have healing properties. He achieved a reputation as an exorcist and was said to have conjured the Devil into a boot. Such was his popularity as an unofficial saint that In 1478 his bones were moved to a new chapel at Windsor, so creating a new centre of the cult, and it is from Windsor that this badge probably originates (North Marston badges being quite different in design). The badge depicts Shorne holding a boot, from which peeps the Devil’s head, an allusion to the capture of the Devil mentioned above.

Original found in London.

Late 15th century.

25x 40mm.