poverty

• What were some reasons for increased poverty in Elizabethan England?

  Population growth, bad harvests, enclosure
• What did vagrants represent in Elizabethan society?

  People without a settled home or work
• What was the population of England in 1601?

  4.2 million
• What was the impact of bad harvests on poverty?

  Reduced food supply and increased prices
• What did the Statute of Artificers, 1563 address?

  Regulated labor and employment
• How did attitudes towards the poor change during Elizabeth's reign?

  Fear of disorder led to constructive policies
• What were the policies towards the poor in Elizabethan times?

  • Poor rate: Local tax for poor relief
  • Charity: Funded by wealthy individuals
  • Statute of Artificers: Regulated labor
  • 1576 Poor Relief Act: Provided work for the poor
  • 1572 Vagabonds Act: Punished vagrants
• What was the consequence for vagrants under the Vagabonds Act?

  They could be whipped or imprisoned
• What did the Elizabethan government fear about poverty?

  It could lead to disorder and rebellion
• How did the Elizabethan government distinguish between types of poor?

  Deserving vs. undeserving poor
• What was the role of Justices of the Peace in poor relief?

  Organized local tax for the poor
• What was the purpose of the repressive change targeting vagrants?

  To deter vagrants through harsh punishment
• How did the Act recognize the need to help the poor?

  By providing them with work
• What was the local tax organized by Justices of the Peace (JPs) used for?

  • Improving the lives of the poor
  • Providing money or materials for the poor to make and sell
• Who often funded the local tax for poor relief?

  Wealthy local people
• What could happen to those refusing to pay poor rates?

  They could be put in prison
• What penalty could officials face for failing to organize poor relief?

  Up to £20
• What were JPs required to provide to the poor?

  Wool and raw materials
• What happened to the poor who refused to work with the materials provided?

  They were sent to the house of correction
• What punishments were vagrants subjected to?

  • Whipped and marked with a hole in the ear
  • Imprisoned if arrested again for vagrancy
  • Death penalty for a third offence
• What did the Act introduce to support the impotent poor?

  A national poor rate
• What was the role of Justices of the Peace regarding the poor?

  To keep a register and find work for them