Rose and Fetterlock Brooch

This brooch combines two Yorkist symbols: the white rose (current through much of the conflict now called the Wars of the Roses) and the fetterlock (derived from Richard of York’s falcon and fetterlock badge). The original of this livery badge was found in the Thames at Southwark Bridge in 1979. Other rose and fetterlock badges, from a different mold, are also held by the Museum of London.

Livery badges, based on heraldic or personal devices, were used throughout the Middle Ages, but the fifteenth century saw an enormous number of badges produced, distributed, and worn in England as factions arose, changed sides, and made war during the the dynastic struggle.