Bonhams Offers Medieval Royal Heraldic Embroideries at Auction, Est. £200,000-300,000
The Facts
A pair of late medieval royal heraldic embroideries, likely representing the Kingdom of Castile, came to auction at Bonhams in London on July 2, 2026, with an estimate of £200,000-300,000. The panels, wrought in silver and gold thread and rich silks, each feature a three-towered castle with a crowned figure emerging from a tower. Radiocarbon dating and silver testing date the embroideries to pre-1600, with art historical evidence suggesting a date of 1460-1520. Oliver Cornish, cataloguer for Bonhams Fine Decorative Arts, described them as 'a real treasure and a rare survivor from the mid to late 15th century.'
The Signal
The embroideries offer a tangible connection to the complex history of the Castilian crown and its links to the English royal family through John of Gaunt. For collectors of medieval textiles and royal memorabilia, such pieces are exceptionally rare, with few comparable examples surviving. The auction provides insight into the market for pre-1600 decorative arts, where craftsmanship and historical provenance drive value.
- People: Oliver Cornish
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: London
- Prices: £200,000-300,000
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