Green’s Dictionary of Slang

Needham’s shore n.

also Needham’s cross
[play on SE need ’em and the Suffolk town of Needham Market]

a state of great poverty.

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[UK]Greene Quip for an Upstart Courtier D: Yoong youths when the Broker hath blest them with saint Needhams crosse fall then to priuy lifts & cosenages.