Relief of the Poor in 19th Century Sussex

Worthing Meeting Centre

This talk considers the impact of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act (the New Poor Law) on the poor in Sussex. The legislation was described by one contemporary commentator as, 'A measure of extreme harshness and cruelty.' Support prior to and following the Act is compared, including placement in the workhouses. The profile of individual relief recipients and officials is discussed.

Dr Mary Rudling began studying poor relief in Sussex ten years ago and completed her PhD in 2022.  She is a member of the Royal Historical Society and a volunteer at the Sussex Archaeological Society library.