Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939 - 2 Less…

The idea

The Royal Commission of Enquiry (1832–34) investigated the old poor law, gathering evidence from parishes. Its report shaped the aims of poor law policy: reduce costs, deter able-bodied pauperism, and enforce less eligibility. The Poor Law Amendment Act 1834 created a central Poor Law Commission to oversee unions and workhouses, though outdoor relief continued. The Commission's work involved issuing orders, inspecting unions, and facing local resistance. Edwin Chadwick, serving as Secretary rather than a commissioner, promoted utilitarian principles and later public health reforms.

What earns the marks

• Explains the purpose and methods of the Royal Commission of Enquiry, including its investigation of the old poor law and evidence gathering.
• Identifies the aims of poor law policy, such as reducing poor rates, deterring able-bodied pauperism, and enforcing less eligibility.
• Describes the key provisions of the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, including the creation of poor law unions and the central Poor Law Commission.
• Analyses the work of the Poor Law Commission, including issuing orders, inspecting unions, and overcoming local opposition.
• Assesses the role of Chadwick as Secretary in shaping poor law policy and his later contribution to public health.
• Evaluates the extent to which the reforms achieved their aims, considering continuities such as outdoor relief.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the Royal Commission of Enquiry with the Poor Law Commission.

  Put it right: The Royal Commission investigated and reported, while the Poor Law Commission implemented the Act.

• Assuming the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834 immediately ended outdoor relief.

  Put it right: Outdoor relief continued in many areas, especially in the north.

• Attributing the entire 1834 Act to Chadwick alone or calling him a commissioner.

  Put it right: Chadwick was influential as Secretary, but the Act resulted from a commission and parliamentary process.

• Overlooking the local resistance to the Poor Law Commission.

  Put it right: Many unions resisted central orders, and the Commission faced opposition.

Exam tips

• Use specific evidence from the Royal Commission report and the 1834 Act to support arguments about aims and implementation.
• Analyse the role of Chadwick by linking his utilitarian ideas to specific policies, such as less eligibility and public health.
• Evaluate the work of the Poor Law Commission by considering both its successes and limitations in enforcing the new poor law.
• Practise writing balanced conclusions that weigh the significance of the reforms against continuities in poor relief.