During the 14th and 15th centuries, the heart was the most common symbol of love. Heart brooches and pendants appear to have been universally popular. Over 50 medieval pewter heart badges have been found in London, most of these on the Thames foreshore. Many are crowned hearts, fringed with imitation pearls. Some, like this one, have a sash-like scroll with the lover’s message ‘herte be trew’ (‘heart be true’). This was probably a love-token, given to a loved one as a present.During the 14th and 15th centuries, the heart was the most common symbol of love. Heart brooches and pendants appear to have been universally popular. Over 50 medieval pewter heart badges have been found in London, most of these on the Thames foreshore. Many are crowned hearts, fringed with imitation pearls. Some, like this one, have a sash-like scroll with the lover’s message ‘herte be trew’ (‘heart be true’). This was probably a love-token, given to a loved one as a present.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the heart was the most common symbol of love. Heart brooches and pendants appear to have been universally popular. Over 50 medieval pewter heart badges have been found in London, most of these on the Thames foreshore. Many are crowned hearts, fringed with imitation pearls. Some, like this one, have a sash-like scroll with the lover’s message ‘herte be trew’ (‘heart be true’). This was probably a love-token, given to a loved one as a present.