What were Vagrants and Beggars like in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

They were usually mentally disabled, crippled, sick, poor, deformed, or just wanted easy money with no work involved. They went to the blacksmith's tavern in the winter to try and keep warm from the fire's fumes and would get scraps from the butcher for food.

Answer 2

Vagrants in the Middle Ages were often transient individuals who lacked a fixed residence or employment. They moved from place to place, surviving through begging or performing odd jobs. Beggars, on the other hand, were individuals who relied solely on begging as a means of survival. Both groups faced social stigma and were considered a burden on society, leading to various laws and restrictions being placed on them.