A rare find from the 1300s, rescued from the riverbank of the Thames in London. It is a five-inch metal artifact known as a “devotional panel.” The devotional shows the capture, trial, final journey, and execution of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. He was cousin and rebel to King Edward II of England. Thomas along with a group of barons sought to curtail the king’s power. As you can see they failed. After the earl’s death, miracles were soon associated with Thomas’ tomb. Devotional panels like the one found were created to be hung in supporters’ homes. These were the usual lead-ups to being declared a saint. But then political winds shifted. Support of the throne gained ground. One expert suggested the panel was thrown away deliberately, because being seen supporting the earl was no longer politically desirable – or perhaps safe.
