Ebook The Old Guilds of England

These Frith Guilds held monthly meetings with a feast, the remains of which were given to the poor; and on the death of a member each brother gave a loaf for the benefit of the Guild, and sang fifty psalms, or paid someone else to do so. Each member also contributed fourpence towards a fund to reimburse mem bers from accidental losses, and one shilling each when a thief was to be caught. The ranks of the members were divided into bodies of ten each, and 100 seems to have constituted a company under an acknowledged leader.