Wars of the Roses Collection

Livery badges, based on heraldic or personal devices, were used throughout the Middle Ages, but the fifteenth century saw an enormous number of badges produced, distributed, and worn in England as factions arose, noblemen changed sides, and everyone made war during the the dynastic struggle we call the Wars of the Roses.

We have nine brooches connected with the Wars of the Roses, some of which are unmistakably badges of one side or of a committed house and some of which are only probably or possibly tied to an involved affinity. Some are, additionally, tied to a lineage, for example, the Earls of Warwick, but cannot be positively dated to the mid- to late-15th century. For this reason, we offer a full set and also a smaller “unimpeachable” set with firm dating and attribution.

Read more about any of the individual items in the collection at the links.

Firmly attributed
* White Boar Brooch (Richard III – York)
* Rose and Fetterlock Brooch  (York)
* Black Bull of Clarence Brooch  (York)
* Collars of Esses Brooch (Lancaster)
* Elephant and Castle Brooch  (William Beaumont – Lancaster)

Total price of firmly attributed pieces $25. Collection price $23.

Debatable Affinity or Date
* Strawberry Plant Brooch  (Possibly Stafford – Lancaster )
* Wheat Ear Brooch  (Probably Earls of Exeter. If Henry Holland – Lancaster)
* Ragged Staff Brooch  (Earls of Warwick. If early 15th-century, Richard Beauchamp and not part of the dynastic struggle. If late 15th-century, Richard Neville- and his allegiance changed over time)
* Acorn Brooch  (Possibly the Fitzalan Earls of Arundel. William Fitzalan, the 9th earl, switched from Lancaster to York between 1459 and 1461)

Total price of firm and debatable pieces $50. Collection price $45.

Not yet added to a collection is our Talbot Brooch (introduced mid-2023). It should be placed among the “debatable” group as a sign of one of the Earls of Shrewsbury. Explore other replica heraldic and livery badges among our offerings.