Medieval pilgrims’ costume was routinely counterfeited for free lodging

Evidence

Naturally, imposters and charlatans abounded to take advantage of the many earthly benefits accorded to genuine pilgrims… . Each had his script and burdon, that is, the wallet for food and the staff, with an iron point at one end and a knob at the other, carried by all pilgrims. But more important, his hooded gown would be covered with badges and brooches to prove he had visited the various shrines… . Aided by a vivid imagination and agile tongue, these rogues poured out lurid stories of the wonders seen on their travels, their well-filled scripts witnessing to the delight, gullibility or simple faith of their hearers. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 292

Categorization

• STORYSTEM: A medieval con-man protagonist who fakes pilgrim badges and spins shrine tales could anchor a picaresque story — the entire identity-appropriation economy of the preindustrial city is rich narrative material.