Object number
51/1149
Collection
Description
This pole for a polehead consists of a plain blue staff with an orange steel polehead in the form of an undecorated spear. It is not known to which Club it belonged. 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.
Physical description
One pole with polehead attached: metal (brass and steel), wood; good condition.
Archival history
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.
Production date
1700 - 1899
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_865.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11882L.tif - High resolution image
