Paupers And Pauperism - Introduction

Question 1

When was the poor law from

Answer 1

• the 1601 Elizabethan poor law

Question 2

What did the poor law supply?

Answer 2

• philosophical and practical basis for providing assistance to those unable to support themselves

Question 3

Why was it called ‘the old poor law’

Answer 3

• called the ‘old poor law’ to distinguish from ‘the new poor law’ resulting from poor law amendment act 1834

Question 4

What was it?

Answer 4

• it wasn’t one law but collection of laws parliament has passed between end of 16th century and end of 18th century

Question 5

What did parish officials set?

Answer 5

• they set the poor rate
• how to determine whether the poor were eligible for relief, how much relief should be given and whether this relief should be provided as outdoor or indoor