Penshurst Medieval Dole Table in Penshurst, England

The Penshurst medieval dole table is one of only a handful to survive in English churchyards. The dole was a small portion of food, clothing or money that was placed on the table for the poor on special occasions such as St Thomas' Day, 21st December each year. Dole tables or stones were stone tables or ledges usually located in church porches and more rarely in churchyards. Dole tables were in use from medieval times until the 16 th or 17 th centuries. Stone dole tables and wooden dole cupboards located inside churches were used to distribute money or bread to the needy of the parish and trav

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