Poor Law

The Poor Law was a system established in 19th-century England to provide assistance to those unable to support themselves due to poverty or hardship. It aimed to manage poverty through workhouses, where impoverished individuals could receive shelter and basic necessities in exchange for labor, discouraging reliance on charity. The law also created local authorities responsible for administering aid. Over time, it evolved to include outdoor relief and other methods to address poverty more effectively. Overall, the Poor Law sought to balance social support with economic responsibility, reflecting societal attitudes towards poverty and deservingness at the time.