How Did The Poor Law Deal Woth The Issue Of Poverty? Flashcards
How was it clear by 1662 that there was an awareness among the propertied classes that poverty had grown and needed to be dealt with?
There was an increasing complaints from wealthier parishes about influx of vagrants from poorer districts.
What legislation was introduced that protected the rights of settled poor?
1662 cavalier P passed settlement act
How far did this lead to social change?
- Rights of settled poor protected
- poor will be issued with a certificate proving they live in a parish, thus entitling them to poor relief if they moved and got into difficulties.
Why was the settlement act passed 1662?
Economic depression -
1661 harvest problems = $x3 than 1654
1661 - the army was disbanded (restoration -MPs were royalists) — greater no. Of migrant poor
In what way could the act be seen as having a negative impact on the poor?
1- manipulated by local offices, who would send their poor to other parishes ( however, the authority saw this was happening so if the poor change parish they need to announce publicly)
2- gave more power to local administrators and attempted to restrict the movement of individuals claiming poor relief.
3- the labour force was not as mobile as it had been, and the poor had less economic and personal freedom
Give two reasons why the settlement act was significant?
1) The settlement certificate meant that for the first time, a poor person could prove where they lived
2) A definition of what constituted ‘poor’ had been given for the first time - as ppl renting property worth less than £10 were considered worthy of help.
How did owner of large estates benefitted more than any other group from the settlement act?
1- they were able to demolish empty houses on their land, thus preventing the return of those who left.
3- hire workers form outside the parish as they don’t stay there for 40days therefore they would not be entitled to poor relief
2- labourers from other parishes could be hired in their place, reducing the amount paid by landowners in poor relief if these workers were laid off, as they were officially ‘settled’ in other parishes, who were responsible of their welfare.
What provided basis of poor relief until 1662?
ELIZABETHAN POOR LAW ACT
Who provided help?
Disabled ppl
What happened to the able poor?
They were punished severely
What was issued to all JPs and what did it cover?
1631 book of orders was issued to JPs.
Covered poor relief and treatment of vagrants but based on 1601 Act - no NEW ideas.
Did poor relief system continue during civil war? 1642
Yes it did as it was an effective system and it was a way to preserve order.
Why might local ppl who could afford it will be willing to continue pay taxes towards poor relief during civil war?
Some saw it as their duty
If they don’t than the poor would be seen as a threat to society, therefore, they needed to preserve order
Fill in the gaps
The ____ in poverty was reflected in the rise in the ____ ____, from £_____ per year in 1650 to £_____ per year by the end of 17th century.
Growth Poor rate £250,000 To £700,000
What were vagrants seen as?
Sources of crime and instability
