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Polehead in the form of a spear surmounted by a crown with a cut out of a leafy branch. From Nether Stowey, Somerset, the Rose and Crown Inn.
This brass polehead is in the form of a floriated spear surmounted by a crown with a cut out of a leafy branch in the centre. On either side is a small hole for the tassel. It belonged to the Club at Nether Stowey, Somerset, which had its headquarters at the Rose and Crown Inn. The Club's Feast Day was 1st May. The Club was formed on 16th December 1839 and was eventually disbanded in 1912. Poleheads were carried on processions by members of village clubs or parish friendly societies on their annual ‘walks’. The friendly societies were formed to provide some insurance for members against sickness or death, and also played an important role in the social life of the village.

1 polehead: metal

Club brasses, mounted on poles, were carried in procession by the members of village clubs on their annual ‘walks’. These clubs were parish friendly societies formed to provide some insurance for their members against sickness or death, though in addition they played an important part in the social life of the village. The majority of these societies dated from about 1793 when the Government passed an act to encourage their foundation. Several more acts followed during the first 60 years of the 19th century, until excessive government protection led to the decline of the clubs. A few however remained in existence until the National Insurance Act of 1911. Most clubs had a strict code of behaviour laid down in their constitutions and usually the annual meeting was followed by a church service and a ‘walk’ round the parish. Although poles were carried in this procession in many districts, the use of brass heads was confined to Somerset and the adjoining counties. The design of the brasses was sometimes conventional or sometimes represented an interest of the club such as the inn in which the meetings were held., MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – Allen Collection No. 11; Catalogue No. 124. [pencil sketch] Height is 7 13/16 inches high and 4 3/4 inches wide. Disbanded 1 July 1921., Museum of English Rural Life Friendly Society Questionnaire - [information on officers, meetings, rules, fines and benefits]

The Dulverton Trust (Agent)