Beggar's badge

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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: 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
  Badge, beggar's
  
• 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 
• Translations:
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