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

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-181-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KJA 5
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Pewter. Inscription: E. CRUIKSHANK - KEITH
  Badge, beggar's
  
• Dimensions: 58 mm L x 74 mm W
  
• What: Badge, beggar's
  
• Subject: Badges and insignia (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: E. Cruikshank (Owner)
  Parish of Keith (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Keith
  
• Event:
• Description: Beggar's badge of pewter inscribed E. CRUIKSHANK - KEITH, from the parish of Keith, Banffshire
  
• References:
  • Brook, A.J.S. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 21 (1886-7), pp 169-179 
• Translations:
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