English Poor Law Policy

"English Poor Law Policy" by Sidney Webb and Beatrice Webb is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book aims to analyze and elucidate the evolution of English Poor Law policy, particularly following the significant reforms initiated in 1834. It delves into the intricate legislative and administrative frameworks that govern the relief of the destitute, highlighting the notable changes and key principles that have emerged over time. The opening of the work serves as a comprehensive preface, laying the groundwork for the authors' analysis of the English Poor Law system. It underscores the necessity of understanding the policy's historical context to appreciate its current form and implications. The authors express a commitment to systematically dissect the developments from 1834 onward, cautioning the reader that while the resulting document may seem dense, it is vital for grasping the significant changes in the treatment of various classes of paupers, including the able-bodied, vagrants, and families. The preface highlights their goal of providing clarity amidst a complex archive of legislative materials, setting the stage for a meticulous chronological exploration of the Poor Law's evolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sidney James Webb, 1st Baron Passfield, was a British socialist, economist, supporter of Stalinism, and reformer, who co-founded the London School of Economics. He was an early member of the Fabian Society in 1884, joining, like George Bernard Shaw, three months after its inception. Along with his wife Beatrice Webb and with Annie Besant, Graham Wallas, Edward R. Pease, Hubert Bland and Sydney Olivier, Shaw and Webb turned the Fabian Society into the pre-eminent politico-intellectual society in Edwardian England. He wrote the original, pro-nationalisation Clause IV for the British Labour Party.