Company Treasures

Silver heart-shape badge about 4 ins x 4 ins, slightly dished, with at the top two holes to take rings joined by about four inches of chain to a third ring, presumably for a ribbon – the badge was accompanied by an apprently contemporary pale blue silk ribbon – and at the botom a third hole. The front of the badge is engraved with the Shipwrights Arms (incorrectly with a crown surmounting he lion). The ship, bow to the right as seen, is of the 18^th century, with flags flying. The shield is surmounted with drapery, containing the letters

 III

G.R

 and is surrounded by a decorative collageof two cherubs holding ribbons supporting a rich mixture of tools, a stook and a beehive, and various plants.  Round the perimeter of the whole badge are engraved the words;

 WE’LL WORSHIP GOD and  GUARD THE KING

WITH VIRTUOUS HEARTS LET BRITONS SING

  The back of the badge is engraved in large cursive script

 Charles Snook

and, a little smaller,

June ye 4^th

1778

 This was HM King George III’s fortieth birthday.  It seems highly probable that Charles Snook was that Charles Snook who entered Portsmouth Dockyard, fully qualified, in 1726, and was by 1778 Quarterman Shipwright (that is, foreman of a gang of shipwrights), the oldest in the Dockyard, with a lifetime of unbroken exemplary service, and that it was he who was awarded the medal in recognition at a Royal event.  

 Made by Hester Bateman,London, 1778.

 Presented 2001 by Sir John Parker in commemoration of his year as PrimeWarden 2000-2001,  for use by the Beadle.

(419/2001)

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