Beutlergasse

In 1353, the lane appears as "nova platea" (new street), and in 1415 as "nova platea scilicet bursatorum" (new street, namely of the purse-makers), in German Budeler- or Beutlergasse. The guild of purse-makers (Beutelmacher), after which the street was named, produced the often richly decorated bags and pouches that in the Middle Ages were also worn by men on their belts -- the close-fitting fashion of the 14th and 15th centuries made it difficult to incorporate pockets into clothing.

These pouches were also called "Geldkatzen" (money cats, i.e., money purses). Our ancestors secured their belt-hung Geldkatzen by attaching a small bell to the bottom. As long as the bell could be heard jingling, all was well. If it fell silent, that was the signal to chase the pickpocket with loud shouts.