The Guardians' Insignia;

and group photographs

The Guardians of the Shrine were formed as a College in 1931 but their distinctive insignia only gradually evolved. The Master's silver gilt chain (seen on the left) was presented by Fr Fynes-Clinton in 1933. The next item to be acquired was the blue mantle, the design based on that of a Fraternity in Bruges. They were not worn until 7 November 1938, the day of the first installation of Guardians. This is why in pictures of the great procession on 6 June earlier that year for the opening of the new Shrine Church the lay Guardians are seen walking in everyday suits. The stars were struck in 1947. These are in silver gilt for full Guardians and gilt for the Honorary and Emeritus.

The College of Guardians 1955

The arms of the College are in the centre and the star is worn on a black and white ribbon. On less formal occasions, when mantles are not worn, the star is still worn over ordinary priest or lay clothes, at Walsingham and at any functions connected with the Shrine. The inscription on the star reads: CUSTOS S DOMUS D N DE WALSINGHAM CUSTOS S[ANCTAE] DOMUS D[OMINAE] N[OSTRAE] DE WALSINGHAM or for Honorary Guardians: CUSTOS HON S DOMUS D N DE WALSINGHAM CUSTOS HON[ORARIUS/ORARIA] S[ANCTAE] DOMUS D[OMINAE] N[OSTRAE] DE WALSINGHAM At some time in the past one batch of new medals was incorrectly struck, and a few of the full Guardians' silver stars have the HON in their wording.

GUARDIANS SECTION LINKS OVERVIEW 1ST MINUTE BOOK ROLL INSIGNIA PHOTOGRAPHS GRANT OF ARMS GALLERY OFFICE HOLDERS top of page