Poor and poverty

Question 1

Religious changes

Answer 1

Henry VIII closed England’s monasteries and sold off land.
Monasteries had performed social functions like support for poor, ill and disabled people.

Question 2

Population growth

Answer 2

In 16th century, England’s birth rate increased, death rate fell.
Huge population growth.
Food production did not keep pace, food prices rose and food shortages occurred.
Prices of food and goods rose quicker than wages.
Standards of living fell and many workers forced into poverty.
Growing competition for land so rents increased.

Question 3

Developments in agriculture

Answer 3

Farming techniques changed in 16th century to make more money from land.
Created few enclosed large farms which required fewer labourers so farmers who rented land evicited and became unemployed and homeless.
Exporting wool was more profitable than grain so more sheep farmers.
Fall in grain production lead to higher food prices and more food shortages.

Question 4

1590s

Answer 4

Poverty reach crisis point.
Several failed harvests - food shortages - higher food prices.
More people in extreme poverty, people starved to death.

Question 5

Government involvement

Answer 5

Government feared poverty levels were threat to law and order.
As poverty increased, crime rates increased and there were food riots
Government began to take action to tackle poverty

Question 6

Helpless poor

Answer 6

Unable to support themselves
e.g. young orphans, the elderly, sick or disabled

Question 7

Deserving poor

Answer 7

Wanted to work, weren’t able to find a job in home town or village

Question 8

Undeserving poor

Answer 8

People who refused to work like beggars and criminals and migrant workers who left homes and travelled to look for work. Under poor laws in 1590s they were publicly whipped and forced to return to home parish. Repeat offenders go to prison.

Question 9

Poor laws

Answer 9

1560s - tax to raise money for the poor (poor rate)
1597 and 1601- further Poor Laws where poor rate became national system of compulsory taxation, collected by Overseer of the Poor.
Poor rates used to provide hospitals and housing for elderly, sick and disabled, poor children given apprenticeships and local authorities find work for deserving poor