Thinking and Rethinking the New Poor Law

Abstract

At the core of this article is the observation that, notwithstanding recent advances, we understand much less about the New Poor Law than the Old. An increasingly strong grasp of who was in workhouses is balanced by an historiography on the agency of workhouse inmates which is best described as 'thin'. The medical functions of the workhouse have, both for 'normal' times and occasions of scandal, been increasingly well researched. By contrast the religious and educational functions of workhouses remain relatively under-researched. About those on outdoor relief and those who administered their relief we know almost nothing. This article reviews the highlights of current literature and attempts to establish an agenda, in part met by contributions to this special issue, for future research.