Poverty

• Elizabeth I's rise in poverty and unemployment led to a shift in attitudes towards the poor, with wealthier individuals offering help and charity, such as building almshouses for accommodation and food
• But in 1567, Thomas Harman published a book on scams/tricks used by the undeserving poor; beggars used 'canting' (coded language) to deceive for money and sympathy; encouraged wealthy to question their honesty (examples include the Counterfeit Crank, Baretop Trickster, Clapper Dudgeon, Tom O'Bedlam, A Doxy, and Ruffler)
• Disease was widespread at this time, and the wandering poor were seen as a part of the problem, helping spread illness
• The impotent poor: Unable to provide for themselves (too old or too ill), were not to blame and the government was sympathetic to their situation
• What did the Statue of Artificers of 1563 do for…

  • Unmarried men under 30 - now bound to serve any employer who needed them
  • Work on the land - everyone was to go do so unless a scholar, at sea or in a skilled occupation
  • Apprenticeships - At least 7 year apprenticeships for all who exercised any craft, mystery or occupation
• What happened to Vagabonds begging without a license from 1572?

  • Under 14s were whipped; children of beggars (5-14) were put to service in honest occupations
  • Over 14s were whipped and burned through the gristle of the right ear with a hot iron - unless someone offered them a job
• What law was passed in 1598? Act for the punsihmen of Rouges, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars

  • The Act, administered by JPs, aimed to end ear-boring, whip 'sturdy beggars', and send them to correction or prison, while banishing dangerous rogues
• What had the government realised about the poor?

  • The Church would no longer be responsible for the poor, and that there were the deserving and undeserving, and sympathy was needed
  • Children of Paupers needed especial help