Dear Rootschatters
In the 1871 Census entry for Hook's Mill Farm, Tadlow, Cambs I find an elderly couple, John and Sarah Newell, described as 'Paupers'. Also living with them in the same household is a married grandson and his wife and a 22-year-old grand daughter. See details below. John and Sarah are found at the same address in the 1851 and 61 censuses i.e. they are long-term residents.
I understand 'Pauper' is an official term and because they are living at home, not in the workhouse, it means John and Sarah were in receipt of 'Out-relief' from the parish which may have been money or food.
My question today is why they would be entitled to such out-relief given that there were others in the household who were presumably looking after them? Was it that 'out-relief' was something all elderly folk were entitled to in this area at this time i.e. an early form of old age pension, or does it indicate the household were actually near-destitute... or that John and/or Sarah were disabled or ill?
Thanks for any info or pointers to discussions of this I may not have found...
John Newell Head Married 73 Pauper Wrestlingworth, Beds
Sarah Newell Wife Wife 75 Pauper St Neots, Hunts
William Newell Grandson Married 27 Labourer Tadlow
Mary Newell Daughter-in-law Mard 24 Labourer’s wife Morden, Cambs
Fanny Newell Granddaughter Unm 22 Labourer’s daughter Wrestlingworth, Beds
