Pauperism and Poor Laws [Paperback]

This 1852 publication analyses the history of England's poor laws and stresses the need for significant economic reform.First published in 1852, Robert Pashley's book offers a comprehensive history of pauperism in England from pre-Reformation poor relief provided by the Church to nineteenth-century poor-law statutes. By demonstrating the ineffectiveness of previous legislation, Pashley asserts the need for dramatic economic reform.First published in 1852, Robert Pashley's book offers a comprehensive history of pauperism in England from pre-Reformation poor relief provided by the Church to nineteenth-century poor-law statutes. By demonstrating the ineffectiveness of previous legislation, Pashley asserts the need for dramatic economic reform.Robert Pashley (180559), lawyer, economist, traveller, and fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, is famous for his travel memoirs as well as his legal achievements. First published in 1852, his history of pauperism and the poor laws in England analyses the history of poverty and the various attempts at reform, including legislation in the reign of Elizabeth I, the statute of Charles II for the Removal of the Poor, and the pauper legislation of 1834. In the final chapters, Pashley asserts the necessity for a total repeal of the existing legislation, including the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, arguing that the provisions for raising and administering relief to paupers should be consolidated into one statute and suggesting a national levy on property to aid poor relief. Pashley's work was influential, although reform of the system did not begin until the creation of the Local Government Board in 1871.Preface; 1. The number and cost of paupers in England; 2. The number, cost, and condition of paupers in the metropolis; 3. Pauperism of agricultural and manufacturing districts; 4. Ecclesiastical provision for the poor till the reformation; 5. Pauper legislation before the reign of Elizabeth; 6. Pauper legislation of the reign of Elizl3<