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A Friendly Society polehead in the form of an axe head on a long pole. The Committee Pole for the Club at Timberscombe, Somerset.
This brass polehead is in the form of an axe head on a long pole. The pole and the curved end of the head are painted black while the rectangular base with two upwards projections is painted red. The polehead is the Committee Pole for the Club at Timberscombe, Somerset. 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 with pole: wood

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., Allen Collection No. 230., Fuller, Margaret D. 1964. West Country Friendly Societies. Lingfield: Oakwood Press: Catalogue. No. 328., 'Timberscombe Friendly Society, established on 3rd July, 1827. Headquarters - The Schoolroom. Feast Day - First Tuesday in June. This pole was used by an officer. The flat head is painted black and red and is mounted on a black pole nearly six feet long.' (Fuller, Margaret D. 1964. West Country Friendly Societies. Lingfield: Oakwood Press. p.146).

Polehead, Polehead, pole

The Dulverton Trust (Agent)