Poverty

• What was one action taken by Henry VIII regarding monasteries?

  He closed the monasteries
• How did Henry VIII limit the king's power?

  He limited the king to own retinues
• What was the impact of the bad harvests from 1594-1598?

  It caused job loss and homelessness
• What was the population increase during Elizabeth I's reign?

  From 2.8 million to 4 million
• Which towns experienced the biggest population changes?

  London, Norwich, Bristol, and York
• What was a consequence of the population increase?

  Many people did not have jobs
• How many people did the flu in 1556 kill?

  200,000 people
• Who were the labouring poor families?

  Illiterate, landless, spending 80% on food
• Where was the area with the highest poverty concentration?

  North West of England
• What caused the increase in prices of goods?

  Food shortages and inflation
• What was a common way for the poor to seek support?

  By begging or going to church
• What was the effect of land enclosure on farmers?

  Farmers did not rent their land
• What was the consequence of bad harvests between 1594 and 1518?

  Food shortages and starvation
• What was the impact of the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I on trade?

  Led to the collapse of the cloth trade
• What did food shortages cause in terms of economic conditions?

  Caused inflation and rising prices
• What was the result of increased population in towns and cities?

  Not enough jobs or housing
• How did towns like York, Ipswich, and Norwich help the poor?

  By licensing beggars and providing jobs
• What were the main features of Elizabeth's Poor Law introduced in 1601?

  • Taxed the wealthy to support the poor
  • Required able-bodied poor to work
  • Established Houses of Correction for idle poor
  • Provided food and care for helpless poor
• How were the helpless poor treated under Elizabeth's Poor Law?

  They were provided food and special homes
• What was expected of the able-bodied poor under the Poor Law?

  They were expected to work
• How were idle poor viewed under the Poor Law?

  Seen as lazy and forced to work
• What was the aim of Elizabeth's Poor Law?

  To get rid of poverty
• In what ways was the Poor Law successful?

  It provided food and work for many
• In what ways was the Poor Law unsuccessful?

  There were still poor people remaining
• What were Henry VIII's efforts to stop begging?

  • Closed monasteries
  • Licensed beggars
  • Provided for the old and crippled
  • Required healthy beggars to work
• How did Elizabeth's efforts address the issue of poor people?

  • Provided food and care for the old or sick
  • Required healthy poor to work
  • Established a system for local parishes to manage poor relief