Elizabethan Poor Law

The Elizabethan Poor Law was a law that was passed in 1597 following legislatures passed in ''63, ''72 and ''76 which did not have a huge effect on poverty, due to other factors such as the state of the economy, war with Spain and failed harvests. It was ammended in 1601 as the 'Act of Relief for the Poor'.

The Poor Law meant that everyone had to pay a 'poor rate' which was a tax which would go to the church who in turn set up workhouses. The law also meant that parishes had to appoint 4 'Overseers of the Poor' who would manage the running of the programmes which included giving apprenticeships to orphans and setting up almhouses so poor people could receive handouts.

The Poor Law was designed to deal with poverty. There were different types of poor. 

1)Impotent poor were people who were unable to look after themselves(children, disabled, elderly). They had the sympathy of the government.

2)Idle poor were people who were able bodied but were happy to beg and resort to crime. The Gov. hated them.

3)People who were able but couldn't find work. Overseers provided materials and tools for them to work and paid them fair wages until they found other jobs.

Until the time of Henry VIII monastries had always taken care of the poor. But the dissolution of the monastries came along so the level of poverty increased. The Poor Law bridged that gap and it lasted for over 200 years before it was replaced. It also funtioned as a political move as there was no poor people rebellion during her reign. Some historians say that its effects were greatly exagerrated and poverty continued to increase after it was passed and people also say it focused too much on punishment rather than support.