Record

Beggar's badge

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From the Parish of Kirkwall, Orkney

Postcard of Beggar's badge.
000-100-002-180-C
© National Museums Scotland

Beggar's badge

This beggar's badge was issued by the town council of the parish of Kirkwall in Orkney in 1674. It is made of lead.

The front of the circular badge has a fully-rigged ship. Beneath this is the number 28. The badge has four pierced suspension loops.

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


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-002-180-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KJA 2
Date: 1674
Material: Lead
Dimensions: 73 mm max D
What: Badge, beggar's
Subject: Badges and insignia (NMAS Classification)
Who: Kirkwall Town Council (Maker)
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Kirkwall
Event:
Description: Beggar's badge of lead issued by Kirkwall Town Council in 1674
References:
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 21 (1886-7), pp 169-179 
Translations:
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