A talk by Dr. Joan Reid
What was the provision for the poor in Thame? Prior to 1834, a series of Acts, often called the Old Poor Law, had governed how parishes provided support to those in need.
This talk will highlight the difference in provision pre- and post-1834, focusing on the development, administration and lives of those in the workhouse which was situated on the Oxford Road
The 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act, often called the New Poor Law, brought in significant changes to the ways in which those considered ‘paupers’, i.e., the poor of the parish, were provided with local assistance. But it wasn’t until 1908 that the Old Age Pensions Act, which introduced the first UK state pensions, was passed
After the workhouse closed it became Rycotewood College and then, after its closure, the site was converted to housing.
The talk will be illustrated with images from the museum’s collection and the Oxfordshire History Centre at Cowley.
Thursday 20th November at 7.30pm
Live in the Museum and via Livestream
Tickets: £9 guests / £7 members / £8 Livestream
Available from our online shop
HERE