... were clearly distinguished from the lazy. This distinction between the deserving and undeserving poor, allowed relief to be given out accordingly. Although there was sufficient punishment, there was also a degree of compassion for those who were genuinely impotent or ill or aged, who were to be looked after in almshouses or poorhouses. Social stability was encouraged by Parish 'overseers' who were responsible for administering relief to those deserving it (decided by the settlement laws expressed in 1662) through means of a poor rate on property. By embedding the administration of the Poor law in 1500 parishes across England and Wales, the Old Poor Law ensured local needs would be met appropriately. However they also laid the grounds for immense diversity in practice and therefore in fairness and effectiveness. This was a weakness of the poor law, accompanied by the hostility between class relationships. The habit of 'deference' prevailed and ...

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