Policies

• Henry VIII and Edward VI passed laws to address poverty, gave punishments like 1495 stockings, 1531 whippings, burning of ear holes, and hangings for repeated violations
• In Elizabeth’s reign most of the 1531 laws remained, added 1567 A public whipping and 1576 ‘Act for setting the poor on work’ - responsibility for finding work for the poor put in the hands of the local authorities
• Urban areas felt his poverty the most: London's Bridewell Palace served as homeless shelter, and Bedlam hospital created for mentally ill but due to their harsh conditions and rural paupers led to authorities struggling to cope
• Early Tudor Prosperity in York led to an increase in beggars, so York Corporation issued beggar licenses and a Master beggar appointed; expected to work weaving and spinning - refusal led to return to home village
• In 1569, Ipswich introduced a licensing system for beggars, increased support for the poor; opened a hospital, introduced youth training, and built a House of Correction
• Norwich survey in 1570 revealed 80% poverty, divided poor into 'idle poor' and 'unfortunate poor', limited relief, and taxed rich for vulnerable care
• Eliz's government needed a nationwide approach to address the issue of poverty; the 1532 laws tried to differentiate between genuinely poor and vagrants, but focused on punishing the majority
• The 1601 law aimed to help the poor while keeping punishment for the lazy, but its use was inconsistent , and despite criticism, the law remained in effect until the 19th century
• 1601 Elizabethan Poor Law taxed the wealthy to support vulnerable populations, including the old and sick (helpless) given food and care - fit and healthy individuals were given work (able-bodied) and food as payment; while those able to work but did not were whipped and placed in correction (idle poor)