Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Islington
1844 poor relief work ticket
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
1844 poor relief work ticket
A ticket issued in 1844 by a Relieving Officer for the parish of St Mary, Islington, north London, directing the bearer to the stone yard on Wharf Road, City Basin. In return for a stint of stone breaking, the claimant would receive " out relief", a handout of food and money
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4465035
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10416134
1840s 1844 Basin Bearer Breaking Conditions Hand Writing Heavy Islington L Aw Labour Money Parish Poor Poverty Relieving Ticket Voucher Wharf Workhouse Workhouses Yard Hand Out Stonebreaker
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Islington
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Islington
> Popular Themes
> Money
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 1844 Poor Relief Work Ticket is a poignant reminder of the harsh living conditions endured by the impoverished population of 19th century London. Issued by the Relieving Officer of the Parish of St Mary, Islington, located in the north of the city, this ticket directs the bearer to report to the stone yard on Wharf Road, at the City Basin. In exchange for a grueling day of stone breaking labor, the claimant would receive "out relief," a meager handout of food and money to sustain themselves. During this period, the English Poor Laws mandated that able-bodied adults who could not support themselves were required to enter a workhouse or risk being left to starve. The workhouse system was designed to be punitive, with laborious tasks such as stone breaking serving as both a means of punishment and a way to generate income for the parish. The handwriting on the ticket reveals the meticulous attention to detail required by the Relieving Officer in managing the distribution of relief. The ticket bears the seal of the King's Head, symbolizing the ultimate authority of the monarch in overseeing the welfare of the poor. The heavy use of red ink adds a sense of urgency and importance to the document. This historical artifact offers a glimpse into the stark reality of life in the Victorian era, where poverty and destitution were rampant, and the workhouse system was a cruel and ineffective solution. The image of the stone yard and the laborers toiling away at their tasks serves as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by those who were unable to support themselves during this period.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
