Role of Charities
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 3.2.3
Charities and the Poor Laws in Tudor England
Over the Tudor dynasty we can see a gradual shift in attitudes towards paupers. In the 15th century, all poor were seen as a threat to society. By the 17th century, the State was beginning to assume responsibility for looking after the ‘deserving’ poor.
Charities
- Charity had traditionally been the main source of support for the poor.
- People began to understand that paupers were not to blame for their own poverty.
- Charities and almshouses to assist the poor became more common.
- But during this period, charity donations by the rich became insufficient (not enough) for dealing with the problem.
Poor Law, 1552
- A new Poor Law was passed in 1552. Parishes had to raise money to look after the deserving poor (those too old, too young or too ill to work).
Poor Law, 1563
- In 1563, Elizabeth I's government tried to reduce the number of roaming paupers. It passed the Statute of Artificers which intended to make apprentices stay for seven years.
- The Poor Law was rudimentary and many people did not believe there was much of a difference between the impotent poor (those unable to work) and idle poor (those able to work).
Poor Law, 1572
- The Poor Law in 1572 let local officials raise money from local people to help the poor.
- The ‘Act for setting the poor on work’ was passed in 1576, which made local authorities responsible for poverty in their local area.
- Research was done to see which cities had best dealt with the problem of poverty. The Privy Council used this research to shape national laws.
Poor Law, 1601
- In 1601, the Poor Law was the first law taxing the wealthy to pay for the care of the poor who could not work. This included:
- The helpless poor (sick and old).
- The able-bodied poor, who needed to work to get food.
- The idle poor, who were sent to the House of Correction.
- The law had an effect in some areas, but was not enforced in other areas. Some historians argue that local authorities tried to force paupers away so they did not have to deal with them.
Test yourself on Role of Charities
Under the Statute of Artificers, how long did apprentices have to stay in their position?