Copper alloy harness pendant originally tinned or gilt and enamelled with a griffin motif.

Harness pendant

Medieval, 13th to 15th century

Found during excavations by Winchester Museums Service Archaeology Section in a field just east of Wickham Square (opposite St Nicholas Church) in the mid- to late 1970s

This well made copper alloy object was found on the site of Wickham Manor House and was orginally tinned to imitate silver and probably enamelled. The animal, although it resembles a rabbit or a hare, is probably meant to represent something rather grander, such as a griffin. Such well crafted pendants, made to decorate horse harness, are quite rare and reflect the high status of the inhabitants of the manor in medieval times.