Product Ref: FHF-020
Poor Law records for Family Historians by Simon Fowler
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his concise yet insightful guide is an essential resource for anyone tracing ancestors who may have encountered the Poor Law system in England and Wales. Simon Fowler, a respected authority in archival research, provides a practical introduction to the wide range of Poor Law records that survive and how to locate them.
Key Themes
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Old Poor Law (1601–1834):
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Overseers of the Poor and their responsibilities
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Settlement certificates and removal orders
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Bastardy bonds, vagrancy, and apprenticeship records
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New Poor Law (1834–1948):
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Poor Law Unions and the administration of workhouses
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Medical care, outdoor relief, and institutional records
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Transition to the Welfare State and the decline of the Poor Law system
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Research Guidance:
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Where to find surviving records (archives, libraries, online)
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Tips on interpreting terminology and understanding context
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Examples of how these records can reveal rich details about ancestors’ lives
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Why It’s Valuable for Family Historians
Poor Law records are often the most revealing sources after parish registers. They can uncover:
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Ancestors who were paupers or received relief
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Family members who served as officials in the Poor Law system
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Social and economic conditions that shaped your ancestors' lives
ISBN: 9781906280291