Beggar's badge

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

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-002-217-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 93
Date:	18th century
Material:	Lead. Inscription: Keith
Dimensions:	74 mm Diam
What:	Badge, beggar's
Subject:	Badges and insignia (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Banffshire, Keith
Event:
Description:	Circular beggar's badge of lead with one hole at the top, from Keith
References:	Brook, A.J.S. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 21 (1886-7), pp 169-179
Translations:
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