Having no visible means of support and travelling from place to place - often termed sleeping rough and begging. Illegal under the Vagrancy Act 1824.
Why was the law passed originally?
In order to clear streets of beggars and prevent further crime from being committed.
Why did the Act fail?
Society accepted that there were legitimate reasons for homelessness.
What has happened over the last couple of years?
Increase in prosecutions due to people begging in streets, representing themselves as homeless when this was not the case. Such circumstances allowed them to make money.
Why have views on it changed since the 19th century?
No longer is disapproved of. Sympathy and concern now for vagrants. Acceptance of genuine reasons for homelessness that isn't connected to laziness or idleness.
