Charity

The term ‘charity’ was understood as good works to one’s brethren. Christian iconography depicts charity as a Pelican, feeding its young with its own flesh. Society, inspired by the teaching of the Church and Old Testament stories, showed compassion by giving alms, free medical aid, food and wine to the poor or travellers, sometimes even to the exiled. It was deemed that such acts of mercy secured salvation and a place in Heaven, and were more about formally securing indulgences, rather than being spontaneous acts of mercy. The Church often founded hospitals, hostels and hospices, as well as granting pardons to prisoners. Paupers were allowed to beg outside churches and to visit the baths at the town’s expense at least twice a year.

See also

• Hospitals and almshouses