The Golden Ball

At Scarborough is a public house called The Golden Ball. Its symbol, funnily enough, is a golden ball. I know of another establishment near Lancaster which shares its name (for I spent the evening of my 17th birthday within it), and my Dictionary of Pub Names cites another example in Nottinghamshire. There is, apparently, no obvious meaning or symbolism, though it was employed by Emperor Constantine as his symbol of global conquest, later adding a cross to signify his Christian ‘conversion’. Such an item remains in the British crown jewels- the orb. This object may indicate the extent of the British sovereign’s power, or, more likely and more truthfully, an anticipation of Christ’s coming Kingdom. Golden queens diminish and die, but when the King reigns, the golden age shall truly begin.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6, NKJV.