Poverty

Question 1

Reasons for the growth of poverty - inflation

Answer 1

• on average prices of goods increased by 4000% over Elizabeth’s reign
• this was partially to do with the rise in population which meant that there was more demands for goods
• those at the bottom of society were hit the hardest by inflation

Question 2

Reasons for the growth of poverty - population increase

Answer 2

• between the beginning and end of the Tudor dynasty, the popular had more than doubled
• this put pressure on the land, and led to increased rents while wages fell
• it also placed pressure on resources and good, leading to more poverty

Question 3

Reasons for the growth of poverty - bad harvests

Answer 3

• in the 1550s England faced bad harvests, and again between 1594-98
• this led to higher prices and less food, which increased poverty

Question 4

Reasons for the growth of poverty - urban growth

Answer 4

• London was the fastest growing city
• new urban centres developed as well, e.g. Manchester and Plymouth
• new centres grew thank to manufacturing, but this was still small scale
• ordinary workers and labourers saw a fall in real wages and a decline in living standards

Question 5

Tudor charities

Answer 5

• these had typically been the main source of support for the poor
• people began to understand that paupers weren’t to blame for their poverty
• charities and almshouses became more common over the Tudor period
• however, charity donations from the rich became insufficient to deal with the problem

Question 6

1563 Poor Law

Answer 6

• Elizabeth’s government wanted to reduce the number of roaming paupers
• this law was rudimentary, and many people didn’t believe there was much difference between the unable poor and the able poor

Question 7

Statute of Artificers

Answer 7

• intended to mark apprentices stay for seven years, which would keep people from roaming

Question 8

1572 Poor Law

Answer 8

• let local officials raise money from local people to help the poor
• in 1576 the Act for Setting the Poor on Work was passed
• this made the local authorities responsible for poverty in the local area
• research was then done to see which cities had best dealt with the poverty
• this research was used to shape national laws

Question 9

1601 Poor Law

Answer 9

• the first law which taxed the wealthy to pay for the care of the poor who count work, including the helpless poor, able-bodied poor and the idle poor
• the able-bodied were those who needed to work to get food
• the idle poor were sent to the House of Correction
• this law had an effect in some areas, but wasn’t enforced in others

Question 10

1563 Alms Act

Answer 10

• revived Henry VIIIs statutes and the punishment of beggars under Edward VI
• those seen as impotent, old and needy would received help from the poor rate
• the public contributed to this rate, and if they refused the JPs could force them

Question 11

Vagabonds Relief Act 1572

Answer 11

• poor rate contributions were made compulsory
• in parishes, begging became licensed
• if one was over the age of 14 and begging without a licence they would be whipped and burned on the ear
• those under the age of 14 begging without a licence would just be whipped
• the act also included fraudsters in the bracket of ‘vagabond’

Question 12

Act for Relief of the Poor 1576

Answer 12

• gave begging licences to able-bodied citizens who had lost possessions and the poor in need
• persistent beggars were sent to correction houses with disciplined labour

Question 13

Act for the Punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars 1598

Answer 13

• administered JPs
• put an end to ear burning
• beggars were still whipped
• dangerous rogues were banished or sent to the gallows