Beggar's badge

This beggar's badge from the parish of Montrose in Angus was carried by a local character known as 'Singing Willie'. It is made of lead and dates from the late 18th century.

The oval badge is inscribed with the words 'Montrose' and ' Begging Poor', and above, 'No. 10'. Between 'Begging' and 'Poor' is a shield bearing a rose, the emblem of the burgh. The badge has a beaded border and, at the top, two perforations.

'Singing Willie' had the badge attached to a walking stick which was dressed with coloured ribbons.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-002-207-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 74
Date:	Late 18th century
Material:	Lead. Inscription: On obverse side: NO. 10 / MONTROSE / BEGGING POOR
Dimensions:	110 mm L x 80 mm W
What:	Badge, beggar's
Subject:	Badges and insignia (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Singing Willie (Owner)
Where:	Scotland, Angus, Montrose
Event:
Description:	Beggar's badge of lead carried by a Montrose character known as "Singing Willie", who had it attached to a walking stick dressed with coloured ribbons
References:	Brook, A.J.S. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 21 (1886-7), pp 169-179
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