Thursday 20 December 2018

Listening to The Poor Laws ……….. the discussion …… today on Radio 4

Now, here is a programme anyone interested in the Poor Laws and poverty in the 19th century should listen to.*

Alms Houses, Eltham, 1909
It is part of the In Our Time series on Radio 4 and is hosted by Melvyn Bragg.

I am a great fan of the history and literary ones and less drawn to those on science.

But they are always informative and challenging.  Last week was Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which I enjoyed as I did this one.

Today, Melvyn Bragg and guests discussed the 19th century legislation intended to discourage poor people from seeking relief instead of work, with handouts replaced by the workhouse.

Withington Workhouse, date unknown
The guests were, Emma Griffin at the University of East Anglia, Samantha Shave at the University of Lincoln and Steven King at the University of Leicester.

Essential listening.

Location; Britain

Pictures; The Alms Houses from the story of Royal Eltham, R.R.C. Gregory, 1909, , and staff and inmates of Withington Work House, the Chorlton Union, date unknown m81238, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass

*The Poor Laws; In Our Time, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001m73


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