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:

• The Dunstable Swan Jewel edited by Vivienne Evans (1982, Dunstable Museum Trust)
• Dunstable in detail by Nigel C. Benson (1986, The Book Castle)
• British Museum Compass Web Site - The Swan Jewel

Swan Jewel, by Bedfordshire Libraries, 2005.

Page last updated: 24th January 2014