Southwark Poor Law Records

In partnership with the Southwark Archives, Findmypast has digitised this collection of poor law records. With each search result, you can view a transcript and an image of the original record. You should always view the original image. Use the arrows on the side of the image to browse through the document. Some documents, such as examination books, are several pages long.

Each transcript will contain a combination of the following facts:

• Name
• Event date
• Age
• Birth year
• Occupation
• Marital Status
• Residence
• Parish remove to
• Father’s name
• Spouse’s name
• Children’s name
• Master’s name

The Poor Law in England, from 1600 to 1920, was a series of measures to address poverty. The 1601 Elizabethan Poor Law established a system of parish-based relief funded by local taxes, distinguishing between the "deserving" poor (elderly, infirm) and the "undeserving" (able-bodied unemployed). This system evolved with the harsh Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which centralised relief and introduced workhouses designed to deter dependency through harsh conditions. Over time, criticism grew, and reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries shifted towards social welfare. By 1929, the system was replaced with broader state welfare policies.

This collection of records from Southwark Archives includes the following records:

• Examination Books - These records document inquiries into a person's settlement or residence eligibility for poor relief. They often detail an individual's birthplace, work history, and family connections to establish their legal parish.
• Bastardy Maintenance Orders - These orders required fathers of illegitimate children to provide financial support. They were issued by parish authorities to prevent single mothers and their children from becoming a public burden.
• Removal Orders - These directives relocated paupers back to their parish of settlement when they became reliant on poor relief. The orders ensured financial responsibility remained with the correct parish.
• Poor Relief Payments - Records of monetary or material assistance provided to paupers by the parish. Payments often covered basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
• Weekly Poor - These were lists of individuals receiving regular weekly allowances from the parish. The records typically included the names of recipients and the amounts given.
• Penal Bonds - Legal penalties for failing to fulfil obligations, such as supporting a child or adhering to settlement laws. They were used to ensure compliance with poor law responsibilities.