Arguably the most iconic of all images depicting early English history and our Anglo-Saxon heritage and culture. The badge is a replica of the ornately crafted helmet of King Raedwald, one of the first Bretwaldas or overlords of all the English people.
In 616 Raedwald defeated Aethelfrith of Northumbria at the Battle of the River Idle and confirmed his place as the most powerful of all the English Kings south of the River Humber. During the battle both Aethelfrith and Raedwald's son, Raegenhere were killed.
He reigned from around 599 until his death in 624. After his death the King's body was placed within a ship along with a hoard of weapons, armour and treasure and a burial mound was raised over the tomb. The jewellery, war gear and grave goods buried with the king were intricately inlaid with gold and garnets. They were of equal or greater quality of any in Europe and were designed to project an image of imperial power.
The badge is a 2 colour 3D design with cut out eyes.
