OS1/1/85/30

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
Site of BEDE HOUSE (Site of) Beadhouse
(Site of) Beadhouse
(Site of) Beadhouse
Hospital
Revd. [Reverend] Francis Knox The Manse
Mr William Duthie Tarves
Mr Thomas Duncan Tarves
Collections of the Shires
037 "Here is a Hospital, hard by the Church, founded by William Forbes of Tolquhon, for four men, who were to eat and lie here, and to have each a peck of meal, and three Shillings a penny, and two sixths of a penny Scots, weekly; also some malt peats etc. The meal and money they still have but their house, which is slated, is neglected and quite waste." vide Collections of the Shires page 329
The oldest inhabitants of this district cannot remember of ever having seen any portion of this house standing, but what is believed to have been the garden can be pointed out and it is generally believed that the house stood there also at the end of the present house there is a stone with a latin inscription but so obliterated as to be now illegible.
the name William Forbes is faintly appearant This stone is supposed to have been placed in the old building. This Bequest is still paid by the proprietor to four poor men; who are nominated to receive this during their life. When one dies out another is appointed

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 30
Parish of Tarves

Note: Bede House, Bead House. A term used for an alms-house.
Bede Man. Beid Man. A person who resides in a Bede House or is supported from the funds appropriated for this purpose. In the Court of Exchequer, this term is used to denote one of that class of paupers who enjoy the royal bounty. Each of these beidmen, annually, on his majesty's birthday, received a blue great coat or gown, as it is denominated (whence they are vulgarly called Blue gowns) with a badge which mark's their privilege of begging: and at the same time, a loaf of bread, a bottle of ale, a leathern purse, and in it a penny for every year of the King's life. The designation has originated from some religious foundation, in times of popery. (Jamieson)
"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." (The Antiquary)

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