Poor Law - Tudor Era - Dissolution of The Monasteries

Dissolution of The Monasteries

England’s poverty issues were exacerbated during the early part of the 16th century by a dramatic increase in population. The population rose “…from little more than 2 million in 1485,…(to) about 2.8 million by the end of Henry VII’s reign (1509)…. The population was growing faster than the economy’s ability to provide employment opportunities. Amplifying the problem was the fact that during the period of the Protestant Reformation, Henry VIII separated from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England. One consequence of this departure was the Dissolution of the Monasteries in England in which monastery assets including lands were seized by the crown. These acts had a devastating impact on poor relief. According to British historian Paul Slack, prior to the dissolution, "(i)t has been estimated that monasteries alone provided 6,500 pounds a year in alms before 1537; and that sum was not made good by private benefactions until after 1850." In addition to the closing of monasteries, the majority of hospitals were also closed "which had come to be seen as special types of religious houses" which left many of the sick without proper health care. In 1531 the Vagabonds and Beggars Act was revised and a new act was passed by parliament. This act did make some provisions for the different classes of the poor. The sick, the elderly and the disabled were issued licenses to beg. Unfortunately, those individuals who were out of work and in search of employment were still not spared punishment. Throughout the 16th century, a fear of social unrest was the primary motive for the majority of legislation that was passed by parliament.