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Beggar's badge

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from the Parish of Keith, Banffshire

Beggar's badge
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This is a beggar's badge from the parish of Keith in Banffshire. It is made of pewter and dates from the 18th century.

The pentagonal badge has the inscription 'Keith' within a circle. Above is the name of the holder, E. Cruicksank (Cruikshank). There is a single perforation 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

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