| Word |
Meaning |
| 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act |
An Act of Parliament introduced in 1834 to provide better relief or assistance for poor people. |
| 1846 |
This year is significant because it was one of the years of the potato famine (or potato shortage) in Ireland. The potato famine happened in Ireland between 1845 and 1849. During this time the cost of potatoes rose, which is why the Atcham Union Guardians were unable to afford potatoes in 1846. |
Nineteenth Century /
19th Century |
The years 1800 to 1899. |
| hard labour |
The difficult and sometimes boring work that poor people in the workhouse had to do. |
| infirmary |
The area of the workhouse which is like a hospital ward, where sick people were sent. |
| paupers |
People who are receiving relief or assistance from the Poor Law Guardians in their local area. |
| Poor Law Guardians |
The people responsible for implementing the Poor Law and looking after the poor in each area. They decided who received help and what form this help would take; whether it was entry into the workhouse or a loan of money. |
| poor relief |
Assistance given to a poor person. It might have been entry into the workhouse, a loan of money or the purchase of some new shoes |
| rate payers |
Householders who paid a certain amount of money (or rates) per year. This money was then used by the Poor Law Guardians to help the poor in the area. The rate payers money paid for the running the workhouse. |
| receiving ward |
the first place poor people went to when they arrived at the workhouse |
| workhouse |
A large building which was set up to house poor people. |
