Beggars Society

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Although beggars were on the fringes of society, they held an indelible place in it. In cities, there were hospitals designated for them and the Church also provided assistance. Begging was allowed at cemetery gates and in front of churches, and each beggar could occasionally visit baths at municipal expense.
Some monks regularly begged too – called almsmen or mendicants. The beggars were well-known and tolerated in their communities, but by contrast, it was believed that foreign and wandering beggars brought misfortune.
There was seldom any shortage of alms, because charity and gifts to the poor were considered prerequisites for salvation.

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