English Poor Laws

Pauperism (; ) is the condition of being a "pauper", i.e. receiving relief administered under the Irish and English Poor Laws. From this, pauperism can also be more generally the state of being supported at public expense, within or outside of almshouses, and still more generally, of dependence for any considerable period on charitable assistance, public or private. In this sense, pauperism is to be distinguished from general poverty or the state of being a poor, although the two concepts overlap.

Laws regarding poverty in England, 16th–19th century

1834 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Act of Parliament 4 & 5 Will 4 c. 76

form of outdoor relief

uprising by agricultural workers

bodies that administered Poor Law in the UK

English law