The Poor and Exploration of the Seas Flashcards
Name the 4 Main Causes of Poverty in Elizabethan England
Unemployment, Economic Failure, Rising population, Failing agriculture
How did Enclosure affect poverty?
People lost their jobs and their homes as fewer workers were needed
From which year did Henry VIII begin to reduce the value of English coins?
1542, by using less valuable metal to produce them
Which vital industry collapsed in Edward VI’s reign?
The Cloth Industry
How many people did the population rise by during Elizabeth’s reign?
1.2 million, from 2.8 to 4.0 million people
How did population growth increase poverty?
Higher rents and food prices due to increased demand
Over the 16th Century, how much did London’s population rise by?
140,000 peole
Name 2 Ways the closure of the monasteries damaged the poor
No support given by nuns and monks to those in need, people working in monasteries lost their jobs
Why were many soldiers left unemployed?
Nobles were banned from employing their own private armies by Henry VII
Define The Deserving Poor
Those who were poor due to sickness and disability and deserved charity
Define The Undeserving Poor
Those who were poor due to their idleness and undeserving of charity
In what year was Thomas Harman’s book on untrustworthy beggars written?
1567
What was the name of Thomas Harman’s book?
A Caveat or Warning for Common Cursitors
What was the influence of Harman’s book?
It reaffirmed beliefs about the idle poor and hardened people’s views towards those in poverty
How did wealthy people take action to help the deserving poor?
Setting up Almshouses to offer food and accommodation
Name 2 Examples of Almshouses set up
South London almshouses set up by Archbishop Whitgift, Stanford Park almshouses
What does York start to do in 1515?
Becomes the first city to start issuing beggars licenses
How does York refine this policy in 1928?
A master beggar is appointed to keep an eye on other beggars
What would happen to a beggar on their 2nd offence in 1535?
They would have a hole burned in their ear
Name 2 Ways Ipswich tries to alleviate poverty in 1569
Opens a hospital specifically for those experiencing poverty, Training scheme introduced for children in poverty
What percentage of the Norwich population were living in poverty in 1570?
80% of the population
What did Norwich do in 1570 to alleviate poverty?
The idle poor are given work while the rich are taxed to receive charitable support
Why was the Vagabonds Act of 1572 introduced?
Shifts responsibility from those living in poverty from the church to local communities
What were JPs tasked with doing as part of the Vagabonds Act?
Maintain a register of those living in poverty and provide the deserving poor with help
