Ancestry UK

The 1782 Poor Relief Act (Gilbert's Act)

The Poor Relief Act of 1782 An Act for the better Relief and Employment of the Poor, is sometimes known as Gilbert's Act, after its sponsor Thomas Gilbert. It provided a simple procedure for groups of parishes to set up a common workhouse for paupers other than able-bodied adults. It also introduced some significant changes in workhouse administration, including management by a Board of Guardians appointed from the member parishes, and regulated by a Visitor. The Act also included a set of standard rules under which workhouses were to operate.

To read the full text of the 1782 Act, just click on the picture of the title page above.

[Poor Laws] [Workhouse Home Page]



Ancestry UK

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