Contributions made by the merchant class

Why did the merchant class seem to give the most to the poor

Social upheaval would disrupt trade and business

What did merchants leave

Bequests for charitable trusts which would establish schools or provide outdoor relief

What were merchants concerned with

Social rehabilitation e.g improving the welfare of prisoners

What did the merchant class pay for

Apprenticeships

Sometimes in association with government schemes e.g statute of artificers

What did merchants provide

Supply of working materials for the poor e.g in bridewells