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This brass polehead is in the form of a bust of a woman in profile wearing a large bundle on top of her head. It belonged to the Club at Willsbridge, Gloucestershire. The Club was probably established around 1770-1780 and had its headquarters at the Queen's Head Inn. The Inn was in existence at least as early as 1694. Poleheads were carried on processions by members of village clubs or parish friendly societies on their annual ‘walks’. The friendly societies were formed to provide some insurance for members against sickness or death, and also played an important role in the social life of the village.

1 polehead: metal (brass)

Club brasses, mounted on poles, were carried in procession by the members of village clubs on their annual ‘walks’. These clubs were parish friendly societies formed to provide some insurance for their members against sickness or death, though in addition they played an important part in the social life of the village. The majority of these societies dated from about 1793 when the Government passed an act to encourage their foundation. Several more acts followed during the first 60 years of the 19th century, until excessive government protection led to the decline of the clubs. A few however remained in existence until the National Insurance Act of 1911. Most clubs had a strict code of behaviour laid down in their constitutions and usually the annual meeting was followed by a church service and a ‘walk’ round the parish. Although poles were carried in this procession in many districts, the use of brass heads was confined to Somerset and the adjoining counties. The design of the brasses was sometimes conventional or sometimes represented an interest of the club such as the inn in which the meetings were held., Fuller, Margaret D. 1964. West Country Friendly Societies. Lingfield: Oakwood Press: Catalogue. No. 147., Taunton Museum No. (as identified in Jardine Archive files D DX1787): 79., Article by Julie Johns in Bitton Parish History Group [2022] - Friendly Societies in and around Bitton – Part 1: History and Poleheads.

City of Nottingham Museum and Art Gallery (Agent)
Taunton Museum