Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Poor Box Definition

History and Architecture

Poor Box

Quite literally, a box to receive donations to aid the poor. These might also be called alms boxes, and were generally wooden boxes affixed to a pillar or free-standing atop a wooden or stone pedestal. They were frequently located near the main church door. Most surviving poor boxes date from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, and many have iron strap binding for extra security, and a slot in the box top for coins. Some were later adapted to be simply donation boxes for church expenses.




National Trust

National Trust membership

National Trust membership

Free entry to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus discounted admission to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Membership details

About the National Trust


HISTORY CORNER
Name the mystery historic attraction
See larger image



The first uniform postal service, introduced by Rowland Hill, began in 1840, and was called the ...



10 June, 1482

Treaty of Fotheringhay

The Duke of Albany agrees to marry Edward IV's daughter Cicely and do homage to Edward for Scotland

This king had 16 legitimate children



Passionate about British Heritage!