Object number
51/823
Collection
Description
Embossed medal with the head of Queen Victoria on one side and 'Berkshire Friendly Society founded 1872' and 'Patron the Queen'.
This is a large round, metal, possibly zinc, medal of the Berkshire Friendly Society. It is embossed with the head of Queen Victoria on one side and bears the inscriptions 'Berkshire Friendly Society founded 1872' and 'Patron the Queen'. On the other, it is embossed with a design of an hourglass, cross, wings, scythe and palm frond, and bears the inscriptions 'Be ye kind to one another' and 'Time flies'.
Physical description
1 medal: metal (zinc?); good condition
Label Text
3. Medal, Berkshire Friendly Society. The medal has a scythe, sand timer, cross and wings in the centre with the words: 'Be ye kind to another, time flies.' This society founded in 1872, was typical of other societies in Britain at the time. The friendly societies first became popular at the end of the eighteenth century. They usually consisted of members from one trade. The early societies could have been a disguise for trade unions, which were illegal at the time. The societies offered support and monetary help during sickness and hard times and avoided the inadequate Poor Law which meant being sent to the workhouses. When Trade Unions became legal in 1871, after the Trade Unions act, the two groups became more distinct from each other. The societies started to accept other trades into their membership so preventing vulnerability in the societies during fluctuations of employment and wages in any one industry. 51/823.3. Medal, Berkshire Friendly Society. The medal has a scythe, sand timer, cross and wings in the centre with the words: 'Be ye kind to another, time flies.' This Society founded in 1872, was typical of other societies in Britain at the time. The friendly societies first became popular at the end of the eighteenth century. They usually consisted of members from one trade. The early societies could have been a disguise for trade unions, which were illegal at the time. The societies offered support and monetary help during sickness and hard times and avoided the inadequate Poor Law which meant being sent to the workhouses. When Trade Unions became legal in 1871, after the Trade Unions act, the two groups became more distinct from each other. The societies started to accept other trades into their membership so preventing vulnerability in the societies during fluctuations of employment and wages in any one industry. 51/823.
Archival history
No Lavinia Smith No. recorded.
Production date
1872 - 1872
Object name
Material
Dimensions
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_739.tif - High resolution image
