from the Parish of Fraserburgh
This beggar's badge is from the parish of Fraserburgh. It is made of lead and dates from the late 18th century.
The circular badge has the word 'Poor' in the centre, and 'Fraserburgh' around the edge. There is a pierced suspension loop at the top.
In medieval and early modern times, beggars were generally valued and respected for the news they carried and for their craftsmanship or their medical or musical skills. This only changed with industrialisation, when the numbers begging rapidly increased
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