New crimes in early modern England

• What were people called in the 16th century who became homeless and traveled in search of work?

  Vagabonds
• How did the better-off view vagabonds in the 16th century?

  They viewed all vagabonds as potential criminals
• What did the 1547 Vagrancy Act decree for able-bodied people without work for three days?

  They should be branded with a “V” and sold as a slave for two years
• What punishments were included in the 1597 Act for the Relief of the Poor?

  Whipping and burning the ear with a hot iron
• How did the development of the printing press affect people's awareness of crime in early modern England?

  It increased awareness and fear of crime through detailed reports in newspapers and pamphlets
• What types of crimes were often focused on in newspapers and pamphlets during the early modern period?

  Robberies, murders, vagabonds, and witches
• What was the purpose of the Poor Laws introduced in 1601?

  To make the system fairer for the poor
• What did parishes provide under the Poor Laws for those who could not work?

  Poor relief
• How were vagabonds who were fit to work but chose not to treated under the Poor Laws?

  They were branded or whipped
• What economic change increased during the early modern period that affected land use?

  Enclosure
• Why did enclosure contribute to an increase in poverty in the countryside?

  It led to the loss of the right to gather food and fuel
• What did the Game Act of 1671 make illegal?

  Hunting and fishing on enclosed land
• How were the laws regarding hunting and fishing viewed by the public?

  They were widely viewed as unjust
• What term was used to describe poaching in the context of the laws that were viewed as unjust?

  Social crime