Traditionally, charity had been the responsibility of the church, via the parish ‘heritors’ or property owners. In towns, the main parish heritor was often the town council, which might also dispense charity on its own account. Most guildry and trades organisations worked as friendly societies, and provided help to members in need, or their widows and orphans.

But as towns grew, other forms of charitable giving developed. Independent groups were formed, with a range of charitable aims, from simple collection of funds, to major building works such as infirmaries (hospitals), dispensaries, hospitals (almshouses), and even lunatic asylums.

Dundee Infirmary, founded 1794, depicted on a trade token.
© SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland

Montrose lunatic asylum, 'erected by subscription' in 1781, depicted on a trade token.
© SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland

The simpler charitable schemes worked much as they do today, either collecting money directly or making or collecting goods to be sold to raise funds. The more ambitious schemes advertised for subscriptions, normally one-off payments, but occasionally regular annual commitments. Only when enough subscriptions were pledged did schemes go ahead. The publication of lists of subscribers was a form of moral blackmail, attracting money from the wealthy who were expected to give, and from those who sought status by being seen to join their social superiors in such schemes.

Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin, established as a hospital and almshouse for virgins whose hopes had decayed.
Designed by James Gillespie Graham, it was built between 1815 and 1819.
© SCRAN/Nick Haynes

Charitable giving increased as disposable incomes grew. But motives were not wholly altruistic. As society became more stratified, the poor increasingly engendered fear rather than sympathy. The middle classes had more and more to lose if there were political or social upheaval, and charitable organisations were a way of helping to ensure that the pot never boiled over.