The Poor Laws

The Poor Laws were a series of laws in England aimed at providing support for the poor and vulnerable, particularly from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They established a framework for local authorities to care for the needy, including the establishment of workhouses where the impoverished could receive assistance in exchange for work. Initially intended to alleviate poverty, these laws evolved over time, reflecting societal attitudes towards welfare and responsibility. The most notable reform came with the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to reduce costs and discourage dependency by making living conditions in workhouses less appealing.