Lesson 21: Changing attitudes towards the poor

• What was the general attitude towards the poor in Elizabethan England?

  Sympathy for illness, old age, or disability
• Why were people worried about poverty in Elizabethan England?

  Poverty could lead to increased crime rates
• What concern did people have regarding helping the poor?

  They worried about the cost of assistance
• In which setting were people more likely to see the poor?

  In towns
• When was there no sympathy for the poor?

  When they were seen as lazy and fit to work
• What term was used for the poor believed to be lazy?

  Idle poor
• What was the public perception of beggars during this time?

  They were seen as criminals or con artists
• What were some punishments for the 'idle' or criminal poor?

  Imprisonment, whipping, or hanging
• What were the features of the Elizabethan System of Poor Relief?

  • The Poor Rate: Local tax organized by Justices of the Peace
  • Charity: Donations from the Church and wealthy individuals
  • Statute of Artificers 1563: Tax collection law for Poor Relief
  • Poor Relief Act 1576: Assistance for able-bodied poor
  • Vagabond Act 1572: Harsher punishments for vagrants
• What did the Poor Rate involve in Elizabethan England?

  A local tax organized by Justices of the Peace
• What did the Poor Rate provide to the poor?


  Wool, money, or items to sell
• What happened to monasteries during Elizabethan England?

  They were closed by Henry VIII
• What was the belief regarding charity in Elizabethan society?

  It was a Christian duty to help the poor
• What did the Statute of Artificers 1563 ensure?

  Tax collection for Poor Relief
• What were the consequences for refusing to pay the Poor Rate?

  Imprisonment for non-payment
• What was the penalty for officials who failed to collect Poor Relief?

  Fined £20
• What assistance did the Poor Relief Act 1576 provide?

  Wool and raw materials for the able-bodied poor
• What happened to those who refused to work under the Poor Relief Act 1576?

  Sent to the House of Correction
• What was the purpose of the Vagabond Act 1572?

  To impose harsher punishments on vagrants
• What punishment did criminal vagrants face under the Vagabond Act 1572?

  Whipping and drilling a hole through the ear
• What was the ultimate punishment for vagrants caught three times?

  Death penalty
• What are key terms related to Elizabethan society and poor relief?

  • Poor Relief
  • Vagrants
  • Vagabonds
  • Idle Poor
  • Charity
  • Statute of Artificers
  • Poor Relief Act
  • Vagabond Act
  • Deterrent
  • House of Correction