Beggar's badge

This beggar's badge is from the parish of Forfar in Angus. It is made of lead and dates from the 18th century.

The front of the circular badge has part of the arms of Forfar - a castle with battlements and towers. Above is the letter 'P', for 'Poor' or 'Pauper', while below is the word 'Forfar'. There are two perforations 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

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-002-184-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 14
Date:	18th century
Material:	Iron. Inscription: FORFAR
Dimensions:	95 mm Diam
What:	Badge
Subject:	Badges and insignia (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Angus, Forfar
Event:
Description:	Circular beggar's badge of iron, showing a battlemented tower with a flag and the word FORFAR under it
References:	Brook, A.J.S. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 21 (1886-7), pp 169-179
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back