Old Poor Law and pressure for change Flashcards
Under who and when was the Old Poor Law established?
Elizabeth I, 1601
What was the motivation behind the OPL?
Provide social stability to prevent the spread of discontent or rioting among the population
What did the government then recognise?
The potential dangers of excessive poverty, and so sought to address the issue
What did the Old Poor Law Act of 1601 do?
Placed the responsibility of dealing with poverty onto the local parishes
What was happening to the OPL at the end of the 18th century?
System was under increasing pressure because of the growth in the population, placing a greater strain on parishes
When were workhouse first established?
1723
What was the system orientated around?
The concept of local responsibility
What were the obligations of the Parish?
They were quite broad, and so it was up to parishes on what they did with the poor
When was the Gilbert’s Act and what was it?
1782, allowed Parishes to group together for the purpose of supporting a poor house to provide relief only to those physically unable to work, able-bodied poor given outdoor relief
When was the Speenhamland system established and what was it?
1795, setting go the rate of outdoor relief to the price of a loaf of bread
Where was the Speenhamland system implemented?
Some southern systems
What was the Poor Employment Act and when was it passed?
1817, granting public money to employ the poor in public works
What was passed in 1818?
Act for Regulation of Parish vestries, allowing elected committees to scrutinise relief claims
What was passed in 1819?
Act to Amend the Laws for Relief of the Poor is passed
What was Outdoor Relief?
Practice of giving money, food, or clothes to the poor rather than placing them in institutions
