Act for the Relief of the Poor 1597 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for the Relief of the Poor. |
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| Citation | 39 Eliz. 1. c. 3 |
Quick facts for kids Other legislation |
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| Amended by | Poor Relief Act 1601 |
The Act for the Relief of the Poor 1597 was an important law in England and Wales. It was part of a system called the poor law. This Act was the first complete set of rules for helping people in need. It was later updated by the Poor Relief Act 1601. The 1601 Act then guided how poor people were helped for over 200 years.
Contents
What Was the Poor Relief Act of 1597?
This Act was a major step in how England dealt with poverty. Before this, help for the poor was often left to churches or local charities. But as times changed, more people needed help. The government decided to create a more organized system.
Why Was This Act Needed?
In the late 1500s, England faced many challenges. The population was growing, and there were fewer jobs. Prices for food and goods were also going up. Many people struggled to find work and feed their families.
- End of Monasteries: Years before, monasteries often helped the poor. But when they were closed down, this help disappeared.
- Economic Changes: Farming methods changed, and some people lost their land. This forced many to move to towns looking for work.
- Vagrancy: Many poor people became "vagrants," meaning they wandered from place to place. This was seen as a problem for public order.
The government wanted a way to manage these issues. They aimed to help those who truly could not work. They also wanted to control those who chose not to work.
What Did the Act Do?
The 1597 Act brought together many older laws about poverty. It created a clear system for each local area, called a parish. The main goal was to make sure that local communities took responsibility for their own poor.
The Role of Overseers
A key part of the Act was creating the job of "overseer of the poor." Each parish had these officials. Their main jobs included:
- Collecting Money: Overseers collected a special tax from people in the parish. This money was used to help the poor.
- Providing Work: They bought materials like wool or flax. Then, they gave these to poor people who could work. This helped them earn a living.
- Helping the Helpless: They provided food, clothing, or shelter for those who could not work. This included the elderly, sick, or very young children.
- Punishing Beggars: The Act also had rules for those who refused to work. They could be punished, sometimes by being sent to a "house of correction."
Lasting Impact
The Act for the Relief of the Poor 1597 was very important. It set up the basic ideas for how poor people would be helped for centuries. It showed that the government believed local communities should care for their own needy.
While the 1597 Act was a big step, it was quickly updated. The Poor Relief Act 1601 built on its ideas. The 1601 Act became the most famous poor law and stayed in place for a very long time. It showed how important the 1597 Act was in shaping England's social policies.
