The civil wars that blighted England in the second half of the 15th century are popularly known as the ‘Wars of the Roses’ on account of the rose badges worn by both sides - white for the Yorkists and red for the Lancastrians. In fact, the rose was just one of a number of badges used by both factions.

In this example, two Yorkist badges, the rose and fetter-lock, have been combined to create a single design. Simple pewter badges such as this would have been produced in large numbers during the wars and distributed to followers of the Yorkist cause.

15th century.

50x45mm A rose within a fetterlock.