Act for the Relief of the Poor

The Act for the Relief of the Poor, often referred to in the context of the Poor Laws, was legislation aimed at providing assistance to impoverished individuals and families. Introduced in various forms in the 16th and 17th centuries in England, it established a framework for local authorities to care for the needy. The Act allowed for the collection of taxes to fund poor relief and created workhouses for the unemployed. This system aimed to prevent extreme poverty and reduce social unrest by ensuring that even the most vulnerable received some level of support.