the poor law

Question 1

when was the first ever poor law introduced?

Answer 1

1601

Question 2

what did the Poor Law of 1601 state?

Answer 2

the wealthy should be taxed to pay for the care of the sick and vulnerable
fit and healthy paupers should be given work
those who refused to work were dealt with harshly- could be whipped/ placed in a House of Correction

Question 3

what 3 groups were the poor categorised into?

Answer 3

helpless poor (sick and old)- given food and accommodation
able-bodied poor (those considered fit)- had to work in exchange for food
idle poor- punished and sent to a House of Correction

Question 4

were the Poor Laws enforced in every area?

Answer 4

no- not all of them

Question 5

did begging decreaese?

Answer 5

yes but this may have been due to the threat of the House of Corrections rather than the extra help available

Question 6

was the law successful?

Answer 6

made each area responsible for its own paupers

Question 7

what happened to some of the poor?

Answer 7

they were sent from one place to another without receiving any help