Poverty

• What did monarchs before Elizabeth attempt to do regarding poverty?

  They passed laws to deal with poverty.
• What was the punishment for beggars from 1495?

  Beggars were punished in stocks or sent home.
• What punishment was given to beggars from 1531?

  Beggars were publicly whipped.
• What was the consequence for a third offence of begging?

  They were hanged.
• What happened to beggars caught a second time?

  A hole was burned in their ear.
• How long did these laws regarding beggars remain in place?

  For most of Elizabeth's reign.
• What did the 1576 Act for setting the poor on work do?

  Placed responsibility on local authorities.
• How did different authorities deal with poverty?

  They dealt with it in their own way.
• What was Bridewell Palace used for?

  As a shelter for the homeless.
• What was Bedlam hospital built for?

  To house the mentally ill.
• What was the condition of institutions like Bedlam hospital?

  Conditions were poor and overcrowded.
• What did York issue in 1515 regarding beggars?

  Beggar licences with a badge.
• What was the role of the Master Beggar appointed in York?

  To keep other beggars in order.
• What happened to beggars who refused to work in York?

  They were sent to the House of Correction.
• What did Ipswich introduce in 1569 for beggars?

  A licensing system for beggars.
• What type of hospital was opened in Ipswich?

  A hospital for the old and sick.
• What scheme was introduced in Ipswich to help children?

  A youth training scheme for trades.
• What did Norwich authorities do after a 1570 survey?

  Separated the poor into two categories.
• How were the 'idle poor' treated in Norwich?

  Given work like knitting or sewing.
• What assistance was provided to the 'unfortunate poor' in Norwich?

  Given food and other forms of care.
• How were rich citizens involved in caring for the poor in Norwich?

  They were taxed to pay for care.
• What was introduced in 1601 regarding poverty?

  The first Poor Law was introduced.
• What did the 1601 Poor Law state about the wealthy?

  They should be taxed for the vulnerable.
• What was required of fit and healthy paupers under the 1601 Poor Law?

  They should be given work.
• What punishments were given to those who refused to work under the 1601 Poor Law?

  They could be whipped or sent to correction.
• How were the poor categorized under the 1601 Poor Law?

  Into helpless, able-bodied, and idle poor.
• What assistance was provided to the helpless poor?

  Given food and accommodation.
• What was required of able-bodied poor?

  They had to work for food.
• What happened to the idle poor under the 1601 Poor Law?

  They were punished and sent to correction.
• How effective was the 1601 Poor Law?

  It was not properly enforced in many areas.
• What may have caused the decrease in begging after 1601?

  The threat of the House of Correction.
• Why do some historians argue the 1601 Poor Law was unsuccessful?

  It made areas responsible for their paupers.
• What were the reasons for widespread poverty in Elizabethan England?

  • Closure of monasteries
  • Larger population
  • Changes in agriculture
• How did wealthy Elizabethans respond to poverty?

  • Felt duty-bound to help
  • Gave to charity
  • Established almshouses
• How were paupers categorized?

  • Deserving poor
  • Undeserving poor
• What was the national approach to poverty introduced in 1601?

  • First Poor Law
  • Tax wealthy for care
  • Categorize poor into groups