The Elizabethan poor laws changed the way the poor were looked after in Elizabethan England. Rather than being looked after by charity and begging a compulsory poor rate (tax) was introduced and distributed to local parishes who would then look after the 'deserving poor'. The deserving poor being those who widowed, orphaned, elderly or disabled or became poor due to a natural disasters. This also meant that vagrants, who were poor by choice, could no longer beg for their living.
The population of dependent childrenBefore the establishment of the Elizabethan law of 1601, children from poor families were lacking basic needs and services. This was because of the inability of their families to earn enough money required for paying for the essential services
The Elizabethan Poor Law, established in 1601, provided a structured system for assisting the impoverished by establishing a framework for local authorities to collect taxes for the welfare of the poor. One advantage was that it created a sense of community responsibility and helped reduce destitution through organized aid. However, a significant disadvantage was the stigma attached to receiving assistance, which often led to social isolation for the poor. Additionally, the law sometimes resulted in harsh measures for the able-bodied poor, promoting a punitive approach rather than supportive rehabilitation.
they asked for alms
no no
expensive fabrics
sometimes
The Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 established the principle of local responsibility for the care of the poor, which laid the groundwork for future social welfare policies. Its focus on distinguishing between the "worthy" and "unworthy" poor influenced American attitudes toward poverty and social assistance. As the US developed, colonial and state governments adopted similar frameworks, leading to the establishment of poorhouses and later formal welfare programs. This historical context shaped ongoing debates about individual responsibility and the role of government in providing social support.
they wore different clothes
A plain white shirt which had buttons and 'jerkins'.
Bagels, as we know them today, did not exist in Elizabethan times (1558-1603). The bagel is believed to have originated in Poland in the 17th century, well after the Elizabethan era. During the Elizabethan period, bread was commonly consumed, but it was typically in forms such as loaves and flatbreads rather than the distinctive ring shape of a bagel.
Pick up a copy of William Shakespeare's Plays and start reading - they are written in Elizabethan English. e.g. dastard, betwixt, methought, Tush!, pr'ythee, doth,
well you do know the rich and the poor difference so think what they will have to know what they meen