The Old Poor Law Online Workshop
For Family and Social Historians
Many family historians have ancestors whose lives were touched at some point by poverty. The Old Poor Law (1597-1834) was a system of poor relief devised by Tudor politicians. It was still in use until the eve of Queen Victoria’s reign. Administered by unpaid parish officials and financed by parish ratepayers, it was tough but not without some compassion. Dealing with tens of thousands of young, aged, poor and sick people, as well as incorrigible rogues, it generated innumerable records of individual lives and misfortunes, leaving an invaluable legacy for social and family historians to explore.
This workshop will explain how the system worked and evolved over the centuries, discuss the records it created and their usefulness for researchers.
With tutor Joan Dils
Pre-booking is required because places are limited. Bookings close one day before the event.
11am - 1pm
About Berkshire Family History Society
This workshop is organised by Berkshire Family History Society CIO, a registered charity number 1204390.
