Poor Relief and Workhouses

A guide to the records of the poor before and after the establishment of union workhouses. Parish Poor Relief An Act of Parliament in 1531 was really the first occasion where it was recognised that a formal system of aid was required for the poor, with an act of 1536 legislating for organised relief at …

Pentrich Rising: guide to sources

The Pentrich Rising is considered to be Britain’s last armed uprising.  In June 1817, a group of rebels led by Jeremiah Brandreth (left) assembled in South Wingfield with the intention of marching to Nottingham.  When they reached Eastwood, troops were waiting for them and many of the rebels were captured.  The ringleaders were later hung, …