2 - vagrancy

History

What did the a rise in vagrancy lead to during the 16th century?

There was a sharp rise in poverty, leading to more people wandering without a settled home or job.

What were vagabonds?

Wandering beggars who often turned to crime; they were also called "sturdy beggars" or "rogues."

Why did people feel threatened by vagabonds?

Their numbers increased, especially during Elizabeth I’s reign, and they had their own secret slang, "canting."

How did the number of vagrants increase over time?

London’s Bridewell Prison dealt with 69 vagrants per year in the 1560s, rising to over 550 per year by 1660.

Who estimated there were 10,000 vagrants in the mid-16th century?

William Harrison.

What was Thomas Harman’s contribution to the study of vagrants?

In 1566, he published a study identifying different types of vagabonds.

What was a "hooker" or "angler"?

A thief who used a hooked stick to steal goods through windows.

What was a "doxy"?

A female beggar who pretended to knit while stealing by hiding goods in her bag.

What was a "counterfeit crank"?

A person who dressed in ragged clothes and pretended to be sick to gain sympathy.

What was a "clapper dudgeon"?

A beggar who tied arsenic to their skin to make it bleed and attract sympathy.

What was an "Abraham man" or "Tom O’Bedlam"?

Someone who pretended to be mad to get donations out of pity.

What was a "ruffler"?

An ex-soldier who used robbery, threats, and begging to survive.

What was a "dummerer"?

A beggar who pretended to be deaf and mute to gain money.

How did the Tudor government deal with vagrancy?

They flogged or branded vagrants and made towns, like Norwich, handle the problem.

What were the Poor Laws of 1598 and 1601?

Laws that required local parishes to provide aid for the poor while also punishing vagabonds.