Reclothing the English poor, 1750-1840

Abstract

'The poor' within the remit of the Old Poor Law are the subject of this survey covering the type of clothing issued by the workhouses and almshouses. There are general comments on parish relief and a typical wardrobe for men/boys and women/girls is listed. Questions are posed to aid understanding of the symbolism and practicalities of the clothing of the very poor. Perspectives on the Clothing of the Very Poor examines, firstly, a cartoon representation of a workhouse yard (1834) and draws observations, and secondly, an Essex witness who visited a local workhouse and testified to the 1832 poor law committee. The Clothing of the Poor from Poor Law Records examines sources such as vestry records, accounts of overseers of the poor, poor law account data and workhouse records and agreements with contractors. Comparative Clothing Standards are then discussed, quantity and variety of cloth, clothing suppliers and poor law archive information. Economic and social factors conclude.