from the Parish of Keith, Banffshire
This is a beggar's badge from the parish of Keith in Banffshire. It is made of lead and dates from the 18th century.
The circular badge is inscribed with the words 'Keith Pauper's Badge' around the edge. It has a single perforation.
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
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