Mortbox and keys, used by Buckhaven Mortcloth Society, Fife

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This wooden mortbox with two iron keys is dated 1661. It was used by the Buckhaven Mortcloth Society in Fife to store the members' contributions towards their future funeral expenses.

Mort-box with two iron keys, from the Buckhaven Mort-cloth Society

Each kirk session owned at least one mortcloth and used funds from its hire towards poor relief. Trade and craft guilds might also own mortcloths, and some co-operative societies were established to help with funeral expenses.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-746-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NT 149
• Date: 1661
  
• Material: Iron keys
  Box, mort / key
  
• Dimensions: 78 mm H x 390 mm L x 180 mm D
  
• What: Box, mort / key
  
• Subject: Miscellaneous (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Buckhaven Mort-cloth Society (Owner)
  
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