The Poore Orphan’s Court or Orphan’s Cry

Tract from 1636 published in London that addressed the problem of homeless children begging in the streets. The solution proposed was that “Every ship that goes to Virginia to carry sixe boyes and sixe girles, every one to carry the like to New England” so that they could work on the plantations. An innovative solution, though I have no idea if it ever came to fruition. However the picture on the front page is very arresting and looks very similar to the Callot engravings of beggars from the continent. All the children are in rags, though still in doublet and breeches (the boys) or waistcoat with petticoat skirts (the girls).

 

 

Here are some closer details

 

 

 

The boy on the right appears to be shod in what might originally have been startup boots, though it’s hard to tell for sure.

 

 

 

The boy on the right has a very battered felt hat on his head.

 

 

 

 

 

The Cunning Northern Beggar

“….vvho all the by-standers doth earnestly pray, to bestow a penny upon him to day : to the tune of Tom of Bedlam”. Broadside from 1646. A host of interesting detail here. The beggar’s hose and breeches are threadbare but he has startupp boots on his feet and two large bags hanging from his belt.  Two “ladies” in the background with uncovered heads. Maybe the one on the right is wearing a gown? It looks like an all in one full length garment.