A George IV silver badge

A George IV silver badge, Trinity House,

by George Knight, London 1822,

oval form, engraved with the Arms of Trinity House, length 8.5cm, approx. weight 1oz.

The Corporation of Trinity House was set up by Royal Charter in 1514. Its first master and principal founder was Thomas Spert who remained in office for 27 years. He had served as a Sailing Master on the Mary Rose and went on to become Clerk Controller of the Navy. He died in 1541.

Today, Trinity House has three main functions: It is the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales, It is the Principal Pilotage Authority for London and forty other districts and lastly it is the Charitable organisation for the relief of mariners.

These silver badges were worn by The Elder Brethren which essentially are The Court and there are two possible candidates for this particular badge as both were admitted on 6th February, 1823: Henry, 3rd Earl of Bathurst or Capt. Edward Chapman Bradford.