This unusual badge depicts a popular medieval proverbial folly; that of the ‘humane rider’. Here the thoughtful rider (who is carrying a bag of grain to a mill) attempts to ease his horse from some of the burden by carrying the load himself – only he carries it while riding on the horse’s back! This image is depicted in medieval art from the 12th century onwards, and in England seems to have been particularly popular in Norfolk.

15th century

Original found in the Netherlands

32x 30mm