Dear Judith
Mendicity man was one who depended upon alms for a living, basically a
practicing begger. There was a religious order of Mendicant who’s members
were forbidden to own property individually or in common so therefore were
compelled to work or beg for a living.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin mendīcāns, mendīcant-, present
participle of mendīcāre, to beg, from mendīcus, needy, beggar, from mendum,
physical defect.]
best wishes
Richard Symonds
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerard McSweeney
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mendicity Man
Medicine?
Gerard McSweeney
-----Original Message-----
From: Judith Davies
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Mendicity Man
Dear All
I am studying the published Churchwardens' accounts for Dudley,
Worcestershire for 1830-31 and the 'ordinary expenses' include £8. 8s. 0d.
for 'Cook for Mendicity Man'. I am struggling to find who or what 'the
Mendicity Man' might be and I wondered if anyone could help me.
Might it be the collector for a charity? Cook or Cooke was quite a common
name in Dudley at the time so there is no help there. Compared with the
other payments, this one is fairly middle of the range. I would be very
grateful for any help.
With thanks, Judith Davies.
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