Talbot Brooch

Numerous examples of brooches  have been found showing a stalwart dog like this – a powerful chest and haunches,  drooping ears, a long curling tail. They are identified as talbots, based on 15th-century heraldic depictions of a dog of this sort linked to the Talbot family, including the effigy of John Talbot, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (1387 – 1453). The family used the dog as a heraldic badge into the 16th century.

These brooches are believed to be livery badges of  the 1st Earl, of his son John Talbot the 2nd Earl (1413 – 1460), or to have been worn by supporters of the family in general as proponents of the Lancastrians. The elder John (“Old Talbot”) served Henry VI intermittently as Lord Lieutenant and Lord High Steward of Ireland, but mostly as a successful military leader in France during the Hundred Years’ War. The 2nd Earl was likewise Lord High Steward of Ireland (1453–1460), but he was active politically in the Wars of the Roses and was killed in the Battle of Northampton.

Whichever of the earls it was made for, this brooch is delightful. The strength of the dog comes through, as does its intelligence and determination. Whether you are a proponent of the Lancastrians or just a lover of beautiful dogs, you will enjoy wearing this brooch.