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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Topic started by: lostnconfused on Thursday 18 January 07 23:31 GMT (UK)

Title: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: lostnconfused on Thursday 18 January 07 23:31 GMT (UK)

This may seem like a silly question, but we have a record of a relative, widowed (mother of main breadwinner ) who is living with her family, therefore we would not consider her a pauper.

The census record of 1851 has her son as a stonemason, presumably a good job?? And the family unit is togther under one roof, so why is she recorded as a pauper.

Strictly speaking arent you a pauper if you rely on public money for survival, or indeed if you are a criminal not required to pay your legal costs??

Am i being too much of a pedant here?

Andy
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 19 January 07 09:38 GMT (UK)
A pauper is a recipient of relief under the provisions of the Poor Law or of public charity, or a person having no property or means of livelihood; a person dependent on the charity of others.

Stan
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: lostnconfused on Friday 19 January 07 10:14 GMT (UK)


Thats clear.

As long as she had no means of support andrelied on others (whether the public purse or family) she is registered as a pauper.

Damn, im a pauper!

Lol

Andy
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: sallysmum on Monday 22 January 07 16:43 GMT (UK)
I posted a similar question not so long ago - got some really interesting information

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,204350.msg1038900.html#msg1038900

Kind regards

Sallysmum
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: lostnconfused on Monday 22 January 07 19:56 GMT (UK)

Thanks for the reply.

It's amazing how many of these common words dont have a clear meaning in the modern mind.

My preconceptions gave the word pauper a dark and desperate hue.

In fact it is simply being in receipt of 'Income Support/Housing Benefit'

I wonder how many people would baulk at such a name in todays PC society. Maybe it would shame a few into work!

Andy
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: yn9man on Tuesday 23 January 07 14:12 GMT (UK)
Quote from: lostnconfused on Monday 22 January 07 19:56 GMT (UK)

In fact it is simply being in receipt of 'Income Support/Housing Benefit'

I wonder how many people would baulk at such a name in todays PC society.

Andy

Andy -

Excellent point and question ......

yn9man
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: lostnconfused on Tuesday 23 January 07 17:47 GMT (UK)


Thanks for your feedback.

It struck me that our welfare state is perhaps a bit too PC?

I dont expect any politician to say the same.

Andy
Title: Re: 1851 census - what makes a pauper?
Post by: yn9man on Tuesday 23 January 07 19:11 GMT (UK)
Andy -

Well said.  :)

yn9man