3.4 - Vagabondage And Witchcraft

Question 1

Why were people worried about vagabondage in the 1500s? What were Public attitudes towards vagabonds ?

Answer 1

• they had been taught that good Christians work hard. The bible says “the devil makes work for idle hands” so those who aren’t working may be tempted to commit sins
• they get suspicious of outsiders asking for help. Why should they aid those who appear fit and healthy to work?
• vagabonds commit different crimes as a way to get money without working
• they already pay poor rates to support the poor from their own parish. Why should they help people from other villages? They should return to their own towns and villages

Question 2

Why was vagabondage a problem

Answer 2

In the Middle Ages, people usually worked near to where they were born

In the 1500s a rising population and fewer jobs meant that more people had to move around to look for work.

Concerns about vagabondage increased when the number of unemployed people increased

Question 3

How did the government treat vagabonds

Answer 3

Laws:

1531 - unemployed people found begging were whipped and returned home

1547- first offence - 2 yrs slavery , second offence - slavery for life or execution

1550 - 1531 act revived.

1572 - second offence - execution

1576 - houses of correction set up

1593 - 1531 act revived

1598 - whipped and sent home

Question 4

Who were the vagabonds

Answer 4

• demobilised soldiers who were no longer needed in the army after wars ended
• unemployed people looking for work

Question 5

Matthew Hopkins and witchcraft

Answer 5

Matthew Hopkins was a witch finder in 1645.

Witches were accused of using harmful magic against their neighbours and their livestock

If a mouse, fly or spider found its way into the room, it was claimed to be a familiar which was a creature created by the devil

Any scar was regarded as proof of the devils mark

Question 6

What changes to the law were made to punish witches

Answer 6

In 1542 (under Henry VIII) the law changed and witchcraft became a criminal offence. This meant that witches were tried in ordinary courts and could be punished by death

Question 7

How did religious uncertainty help to increase the accusations of witchcraft

Answer 7

• Protestants preached that the devil was tempting good Christians away from god. The heightened talk of the devil made people fearful