Gwyllim Lloyd Wardle MP Lapel Badge c1809

Gwyllim Lloyd Wardle was both a soldier and an MP

In 1809, the City of London awarded a gold box (to the value of 100 guineas) to Member of Parliament Gwyllim Lloyd Wardle.

The City wished to recognise his fight, despite ‘ministerial threats’, against Prince Frederick, the Duke of York and his sale of army commissions through his mistress, Mary Anne Clark. Wardle was rewarded for his ‘zeal, intrepidity and patriotism’.

This rare and possibly unique lapel badge of unmarked white metal (probably silver) is contemporary with this time and may have been worn as a show of support at this difficult time or maybe even by Wardle himself.

Wardle was much celebrated in 1809 and the portrait below was commissioned to further recognise his fight against the sacrosanct selling of Royal Titles for financial gain.

Approx. 28mm x 19mm and in very good condition with solid wearable clasp pin