Parliamentarians and the poor law, 1803-1834

Abstract

From researching Hansard, it is apparent that the majority of Parliamentarians were not at all sympathetic to the poor. The object of their attention was primarily the distress occasioned to the landed interests by taxation, of which poor relief was simply a part. Furthermore, due to the perceived maladministration of the poor laws, following Speenhamland in 1795, the poor were regarded as immoral, improvident and a drain on both the wallets and the paternalistic feelings of the landed interest. The government, probably because it did not want to interfere in the relationship which existed between the landed interest and the poor at the parish level, had no interest in becoming involved in poor law reform. It was not until the 'Swing' riots of 1830-31 that there was a realization on the part of Parliamentarians in general, and the government in particular, that there was something seriously amiss. Fear of the breakdown of order and stability now came to the forefront and prompted, in 1834, the passage of the Poor Law Amendment Act. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)