Elizabethan Poor Law

The Elizabethan Poor Law, enacted in 1601 in England, established a system for caring for the poor and needy. It mandated local communities to provide assistance to the impoverished, distinguishing between the worthy poor (who were unable to work) and the undeserving poor (who were capable of working but chose not to). Each parish was responsible for collecting taxes to fund relief efforts, ensuring that those in need received support, often through workhouses or outdoor relief. This law laid the foundation for modern social welfare systems by formalizing the obligation of society to care for its most vulnerable members.