CARMARTHENSHIRE-L Archives

From: "Richard James" <>
Subject: [Cmn-L] Treatment of the Poor
Date: Fri, 4 May 2001 10:45:49 +0100

Treatment of the Poor

Vagrancy was strictly controlled, if a Parish could not maintain an impotent
begger out of its own resources, he was sent back to the Parish of his
birth, Vagrants capable of working were sererely delt with.

Vagrants capable of work were subjected to very severe penalties, ranging
from whipping, loss of ears even to hanging.

Badgers
A term derived from the 1697 Settlement Acts. Under which paupers were
obligated to wear a capital 'P' on their clothing, the term was later used
loosely for Pedlers and Chapmen.

1819 Factory Act
This Act, applicable only to cotton mills, prohibited children under 9 years
of age from working. Those above that age were restricted to a 12 hour day.

1842 Mines Act
This act followed a Royal Commission which discovered appalling examples of
child exploitation.
Instances of children as young as 4 being employed were cited.
Of children working 12 hours a day alone & in the darkness, and of girls as
young as 6 carrying coal on their backs.
This act porhibited the employment of women in the mines and of boys under
10, it appointed mines inspectors.

_________________________________________________
Regards
Richard James Carmarthenshire-L Carmarthenshire FHS
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