Tudor beggars: soap eater, Tom of Bedlam

Medieval beggar types: soap eater (lunatic imposter) from the era of Elizabeth I, Tom of Bedlam from the era of Edward VI, and disabled vagabond with performing dog from the era of Henry VIII. Copperplate etching drawn and engraved by John Thomas Smith from his Vagabondiana, Anecdotes of Mendicant Wanderers through the Streets of London, 1817

Anecdotes Bedlam Beggar C19th Crutches Disabled Eater Feigned Imposter Lunatic Madman Mendicant Notoriety Vagabond Vagabondiana Wanderers

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