Object number
60/173
Description
This is a rectangular sign, made of sheet iron, with enamelled black lettering on a white background. The sign details provisions made by the Berkshire Etc. Joint Vagrancy Committee to provide relief for destitute wayfarers and to discourage begging. It is dated 1 January 1911. The sign was loaned to the Museum by the Woodley and Sandford Parish Council, Berkshire, which had removed it from a lean-to shed in Woodley.
Label Text
Vagrancy sign. This sign was issued by the Berkshire Joint Vagrancy Committee in 1911 to deter vagrants whilst offering food and rest to those in need. The idea was to offer a better alternative to vagrancy, much like the workhouses of the Victorian era. Vagrancy first became an offence in 1349 following the Black Death, where there was a massive shortage of workers so the crime of 'idleness' became a punishable offence.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Standard museum name: … // Accession number: … // Classification: … // Negative number: … // Acquisition method: … // Acquired from: … // Date: … // Store: … // Condition: … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 10.3.87 New sheet // Description: Rectangular enamelled metal sign. Black lettering on a white background. // Inscription: see attached sheet. [MERL ‘Associated information’ form] // Dimensions: Height: 76.0cm. Width: 51.0cm // Associated information: This sign was removed from a lean-to shed adjoining 4 cottages (now demolished) at the junction of Headley Road and Tippings Lane, Woodley. // References:', MERL ‘Associated information’ form – ‘Size of notice: 20” x 30” // Stove-enamelled in black (lettering) and white on sheet iron // BEGGARS CAUTION // The Berkshire Etc. Joint Vagrancy Committee // have established a system for the // RELIEF OF ALL DESTITUTE WAYFARERS // The object is to discourage vagrancy and to // assist the honest wayfarer. // Food and lodging can be had at night // on application at any workhouse, and provision has // been made so that NO WAYFARER need want for // FOOD on his day’s journey // All excuse for BEGGING is therefore //removed, and the Committee earnestly //request the public to discourage it by // declining to give either FOOD or MONEY // to Beggars // All persons are earnestly requested // to report all cases of begging to the // nearest POLICE STATION // (By order of the Committee) // HENRY E. BANNARD (Hon. Sec.) // Maidenhead // January 1st 1911.’
Production date
1911 - 1911
Object name
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_3299.tif - High resolution image
