St Martin of Tours

Description

St Martin of Tours. late 12th to early 13^th century. Shrine Tours, France. Cel. Nov 11th. Martin is believed to have been a soldier in the Roman army. The badge depicts the legend of the cutting of Martins cloak in two in order to share it with a near naked beggar. That night, Martin received a vision in which the beggar revealed himself to be Christ. Martin vowed to abandon his military career for the life of a monk – later becoming Bishop of Tours. Martin was the first confessor saint – one who became a saint through an exemplary life rather than through martyrdom. This replica badge is based on an original found in the Netherlands, currently in a private collection

Time period: late 12th – early 13th century
Origin: England.
Materials: Pewter