The impact of the Elizabethan Poor Law

History

Pupils will be able to link back to the development of poor houses and the Government's responsibility to the welfare of its people, when they move on to study the creation of the Welfare State and the social changes that swept across Britain in the 20th century (Y9).

Pupils will already have a conception of the Elizabethan Golden Age. Pupils may also draw upon their study of local history (Y7) as a point of comparison in this unit.

Life in Tudor England: was there a 'Golden Age' for the poor?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

A person who has a strong and healthy body is {{ }}.

{{  }} means avoiding work or being lazy.


They were provided with food and housing.

Orphaned children could become apprentices to craftsmen.

What happened to the impotent poor under the 1601 Poor Law? 

What punishment was given to the idle poor under the 1601 Poor Law? 

Some people felt that it wasn't needed as charity was doing a good job.

The law had to be organised at a parish level and there were 15000 parishes.

Interpretations of who fit into each category differed from place to place.

Why was there a great deal of variety in how the 1601 Poor Law worked? 

How long did the 1601 Poor Law last for until it was changed?

Which of the following helped the most with the worst problems that the poor faced during the early Tudor period? 

Travelling poor people were known as {{ }}.

Which Tudor king introduced the death penalty for a second offence of begging?

instructed every parish to collect money from the rich to be given to the poor

people caught begging were sold into slavery for two years 

the impotent poor could apply for licences to beg in certain areas of a town

What was the intent of the 1551 Poor Act passed by Edward VI?

Which groups of people had to attend houses of correction following an act passed by Elizabeth I in 1575?

punished beggars by burning a hole through their ear

fined any rich person who did not help the poor in their parish

Match the name of the act introduced by Elizabeth I with its action.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The impact of the Elizabethan Poor Law

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.