Silver Alms Badge, 1687

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Engraved:

Ex dono Rob't Holgate
Archipisco Ebor Anno 1555
Fact R.W. 1687

Gift of Robert Holgate
Archbishop of York, year 1555
Made by R.W. 1687

Arm badges became a popular accessory of office in 17th-century England and remained so throughout the 18th century. (See e.g. the Admiralty Barge Badges, one of which from 1736/7 is held by the Victoria & Albert Museum).

Archbishop Robert Holgate’s will, dated April 1555, allocated an endowment for the establishment of a “hospital” (effectively a charity home) in Hemsworth including 18 cottages for the poor. Ten men, ten women, and a master were to be accommodated. The poor residents had a curfew of 7pm in the winter and 9:30pm in the summer. They were prohibited from the local ale house. “Swearers” and “drunkards” and “brawlers” could be kicked out.

Some of the early masters of the hospital are recorded, including James Wood in 1663-64 and William Wood in 1684. The initials R.W. engraved on this badge suggest the possibility that another Wood (Robert?) succeeded William as master, and then in 1687 had these badges made (or remade) to replace earlier ones which had been lost, stolen, or damaged.

At least two other badges survive from this group, though this one is in by far the best condition, with crisp unworn engraving.