OS1/1/70/75
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEDE HOUSE (Remains of) | Bead House | Col. [Colonel] H.K. Erskine Mr. C. Watt |
054 | Nothing but a trace of this building remains. Its date of erection is not known, but proprietors at that time having to support the poor of the district, this house was built for the Pitcaple district, and four or five men were said to have been kept in it. |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 75Parish of Oyne
Notes: Bede-man, Beidman. A person who resides in a bede-house, or is supported from the funds
appropriated for this purpose. In the Court of exchequer, the term is to denote that class of
paupers who enjoy the royal bounty. Each of these beidmen, Annually, on his Majesty's birthday, receives
a blue great-coat, or gown, as it is denominated (whence they are vulgarly called Blue gowns,) with a
badge, which marks their privilege of begging: and at the same time, a loaf of bread, a bottle of Ale, a
leather purse, and in it a penny for every year of the King's life, Every birth day, Another beidman is
added to the number, as a penny is added to the salary of each of them. The designation has originated
from some religious foundation, in times of popery. (Jamieson by Dr. [Doctor] Longmuir)
These Bedesmen are an order of paupers to whom the Kings of Scotland were in the custom of distributing a certain Alms, in Conformity with the ordinances of the Catholic Church, and who were expected in return to pray for the royal
welfare and that of the State. If, in addition to his personal qualifications, the mendicant chanced to be
a King's Bedesman, or Bluegown, he belonged, in virtue thereof to the aristocracy of his order, and was esteemed a person
of great importance. (The Antiquary.)
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
GreenflyNZ, Kate51- Moderator
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