Operation of the OLD POOR LAW
- Created by: Abigail
- Created on: 17-02-14 14:01
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- the old poor law was created while Queen Elizabeth I was in reign
- created in 1601
- main aim was part humanitarian part social stability
- many of the rich thought the unemployed poor were a danger to law & order
- poorhouses were built to look after those who were unable to make a living
- if no work was available, the state would provide relief through food and cash
there were 3 significant changes over the period that the poor law was ruling: Laws of Settlement/Gilbert's Act and Speenhamland System
LAWS OF SETTLEMENT:
- made to protect an individual parish from being overwhelmed by poor from other areas
- they also strengthened the authority by preventing poor moving around & becoming potential troublemakers
- laws enforced that a person's place of settlement had to be the parish he/she was born in or lived for at least 3 years
- overseers could remove a person within 40 days
GILBERT'S ACT:
- created in 1782
- this allowed parishes could group together forming a large Poor Law authorities
- the advantage reduced costs
- for instance, parishes could share a general poorhouse rather than look after one each
SPEENHAMLANDED SYSTEM:
- created late 18th century
- decided to subsidise low…
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