This book offers a thorough exploration of poverty and the law in Victorian England. Drawing on a series of letters written by the author, it provides a detailed analysis of the legal and social frameworks that governed the lives of the poor. From workhouses to vagrancy laws, The History of the Poor is an illuminating look at the struggles faced by one of the most vulnerable segments of society. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.