Pauperism in England & Wales

At the age of 30 Joseph wrote an essay entitled Pauperism in England and Wales. “It is a monstrous thing that in this land, rich in natural wealth and now rich beyond all precedent, millions of its inhabitants, made in the image of their Creator, should spend their days in a struggle for existence so severe as to blight (where it does not destroy), the higher parts of their nature.” Joseph was not afraid to express himself very strongly . On Tuesday 22nd January 1867 Joseph gave a lecture on Pauperism and the Poor Laws at the York Institute. His key arguments addressed the Poor Laws in existence at that time and their role in increasing rather than alleviating poverty. He used diagrams, charts and statistical tables extensively to make his point. He also highlighted wider influences that created poverty including wars, bad harvests and wide-spread intemperance. Sadly, the York Herald reported a limited attendance at this lecture due to inclement weather. Nevertheless, these thoughts and concerns about poverty continued to influence Joseph’s actions and his drive to achieve social justice for the rest of his life. Image: courtesy of the Library of the Society of Friends.