Archaeology Research

Faux Heraldry and Faux Research: Reconsidering 'Pseudo'-Heraldic Medieval Harness Pendants and the Recent History of Treasure Trove

Dr George Prew, National Museums Scotland

Wednesday 11th March 2026, 16.00-17.30

355 Lecture Theatre, James Watt South Building, Engineering Way, G12 8QQ

 

Heraldic pendants provide an unusually clear link to the heritage of the places in which they are found. These are enamelled pendants hung from horse harnesses from c.1200-1400CE, decorated with heraldic devices. The vast majority of known examples have been found as chance finds, which puts the Treasure Trove Unit in a uniquely privileged position to see the corpus of known heraldic pendants grow in real time and to work with heritage partners to disseminate that knowledge. Of the roughly 6,000 objects pass through the Scottish Treasure Trove Unit every year, extremely few can provide as precise and observable a connection to individuals and groups in the past as these tiny decorations. 

This talk highlights some of the stories which have emerged from these objects, as well as discussing how these finds are redefining our understanding of Scottish heraldry of the Late Medieval period, prompting us to reassess earlier known examples as we bring together a new catalogue of Scottish heraldic pendants.

 

Each session is followed by an informal social gathering at Curlers Rest on Byres Road from 17:30 onwards. All are welcome

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First published: 5 March 2026