Lesson 20: why was there increase in poverty and vagabondage

• What was the main reason for the increase in poverty during Elizabeth I's reign?

  Increase in population and vagabondage
• What does the term 'vagabondage' refer to in Elizabethan England?

  It refers to homelessness and lack of work
• What were people without homes or work called in Elizabethan England?

  Vagabonds or vagrants
• What were the main causes of increased vagrancy and poverty in Elizabethan England?

  • Population growth
  • Poor harvests
  • Increase in sheep farming
  • Enclosure of land
• What was the primary source of help for the poor in Elizabethan England?

  'Poor Relief' from local towns
• How were vagrants treated compared to vagabonds?

  Vagrants received more help and sympathy
• What percentage of their income did the poor spend on bread?

  80% or more
• What age group made up 40% of the poor in Elizabethan England?

  Under 16 years old
• By what percentage did the population grow during Elizabeth I's reign?

  30%
• Where was the fastest population growth occurring in England?

  In towns, especially London
• What was the effect of population growth on food prices?

  Food prices increased due to demand
• How did lower pay affect the poor in towns?

  Less money for rent and food
• What happened to land prices in villages as the population grew?

  Landowners charged higher rent prices
• What was the impact of closing the monasteries on the poor?

  Less food and shelter for the poor
• How did poor trade with Spain affect unemployment?

  It increased unemployment in some industries
• Why did rent prices increase in towns?

  Bigger population led to higher demand
• What percentage of England's trade was made up by the wool trade?

  83%
• Why did farmers prefer sheep farming over crop farming?

  Higher profits from wool trade
• What was the consequence of enclosing land for sheep farming?

  Less land available for local villagers
• How did the rise of food prices affect families?

  It made it harder for families to eat
• What caused the poor harvests during this time?

  Bad weather conditions
• How did poor harvests affect food prices?

  Prices increased further due to scarcity