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Dunstable
Medieval
Swan Jewel

Dunstable > Archaeology > Medieval

The Swan Jewel was found in 1965 during excavations by Manshead Archaeological Society in Friary Field. Friary Field was the site of a poor Dominican Priory in existence between 1259 and 1538.

The swan jewel is made of solid gold covered in white enamel feathers. It is approximately 1 inch long and 1.5 inches high. Around the neck of the swan is a gold coronet with six fleur-de-lys to which is attached a chain ending on a ring. On the back of the jewel there is a pin and a catch.

The jewel is the only surviving example of a livery badge and was probably the property of a rich and influential individual.


Sources:


Swan Jewel, by Bedfordshire Libraries, 2005.


Page last updated: 24th January 2014