Attitudes towards the poor

Beggars were mosty criminals but there was no police - just Justice for Peace who though they were serious threat.

Beggars tried to defy upper classes and threaten them → could lead to 10,000s of poor people rebelling.

Nobody knew where disease came from so blamed vagabonds.

Many people thought there were many vagabonds travelling around the country - especialy because of exaggerated writing by people like Thomas Harman.

Many believed hard work was important and that beggars who didn't work set a bad example in society. 

Many thought that those who didn't work were influenced by the devil and should be severely punished and thought that it would diplease God.

Rich and powerful people were expected to control and help poorer people. 

They used to be helped by monasteries before they were shut down.

Increase in poor people mean't landowners couldn't help them all.

Government were probably scared of rebellion from poor people who could follow Mary Queen of Scots.

They didn't have a permanent army and there was an increase in poor people.

Accepted some responsibility for looking after poor and the rich should help.

Anyone that was a vagabond over age 14 would be whipped and burned in the right ear.

Second offence - vagabonds were sent to prison

Persistent offenders - executed

Children of beggars - domestic service

 Local Justice of the Peace - kept register to raise a poor rate for food and shelter

Towns had to find work for the poor who were able-bodied.

Those refusing an offer of work were sent to the House of Correction (prison).

Thought there were many vagabonds travelling thtough the country and stealing their posessions.

Even though if they were going to steal their belongings the Local Justice for Peace who would punish them.