Vagabonds Act 1572
Vagabonds Act 1572
The Vagabonds Act 1572, also known as the Vagabonds, etc. Act 1572 (14 Eliz. 1. c. 5), was a significant piece of legislation passed by the Parliament of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It formed an integral part of the Tudor poor laws, which aimed to address the issue of vagrancy and provide poor relief during a time of economic and social upheaval in England.
Historical Context
During the 16th century, England experienced sweeping changes, including the dissolution of monasteries, which had traditionally provided for the poor. This left a large number of impoverished people without any means of support, leading to an increase in vagrancy. The government at the time viewed vagrants not just as a social issue but as a potential threat to public order.
The 1572 Act was enacted in response to these challenges and was part of a broader legislative effort to control the movement and activities of the poor and unemployed.
Provisions of the Act
The Vagabonds Act 1572 mandated harsh punishments for those deemed "sturdy beggars" or "vagabonds". Key provisions included:
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Licensing of Beggars: Justices of the Peace were empowered to license beggars if the number of destitute individuals exceeded what a parish could support. This was an attempt to regulate and control the number of beggars in a given area.
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Punishments: Unlicensed vagabonds faced severe penalties, including whipping and burning through the ear. This brutal punishment aimed to deter others from engaging in vagrancy.
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Employment and Settlement: The Act also allowed for any excess funds from parishes to be used to "place and settle to work the rogues and vagabonds." This provision implied an early form of state intervention to provide employment opportunities for the poor.
Impact on Itinerant Entertainers
The Act had widespread implications, particularly for itinerant playing companies which were often targeted as vagabonds. To evade prosecution, these companies sought sponsorship from nobility, which allowed them to establish permanent playhouses. This development had a lasting impact on the theatre industry, particularly during the Elizabethan era.
Related Legislation
The Vagabonds Act 1572 was soon followed by the Poor Act 1575, which further built upon its provisions by emphasizing the importance of finding work for idle individuals. The legislative framework established by these acts was part of a broader Tudor strategy to manage poverty and maintain social order.
Additionally, the Vagabonds Act 1572 was one in a series of laws addressing vagrancy. Previous laws like the Vagabonds Act 1530 and later statutes such as the Vagabonds Act 1597 reflected the ongoing concern of the English government with the issue of vagrancy.
Broader Implications
The Vagabonds Act 1572 and related legislation set the stage for the development of the English Poor Laws, which continued to evolve over the centuries. These laws laid the groundwork for modern social welfare systems by establishing the principle that the state has a responsibility to care for its impoverished citizens, albeit in a rudimentary and punitive form.