33 Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert.

How old?: 1150-1250 (?)

Finding place: London

Place of provenance?:  Saint-Guilhem-Le-Desert (Gellone - France)

Details: h.:40mm w.36mm

Meaning: pilgrim badge from Saint-Guilhem-Le-Desert, (West from Montpellier, Herault gorge) one of more important stops on way to Santiago de Compostela. St. Guilhem or Wilhelm, was a cousin and trusted lieutenant of Charlemagne. He became famous for defending Frankish Kingdom from Arabs invasion and for his deeds during Franks campaign, which ended with capture of Barcelona. In 804 he founded an abbey at Gallone, where two years later he became a monk. His tomb and  piece of the True Cross kept there made the abbey famous. It’s peak of prosperity are XIIth and XIIIth century.

Available in brass or pewter.