Product Ref: FHF-020
Poor Law records for Family Historians by Simon Fowler
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