Daily AncestorBeadle
A beadle was a minor parish or church officer who kept order, ushered people and carried messages, and in English parishes often had duties toward the poor.
The word goes back to Old English bydel, a herald or messenger. In England the beadle became a parish constable of the Church of England, often charged with duties of charity; Mr. Bumble in Oliver Twist, who runs the parish workhouse, is the famous example.
In the Church of Scotland the beadle attends the minister during services. Other beadles had civil, educational or ceremonial duties.
As seen in a recordEnglish parish and vestry records, 1700s and 1800s
Jas. Pratt, beadle of this parish
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Daily Ancestor. "Beadle." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/occupations/beadle. Last checked 2026-10-10.