The Old Poor Law in Scotland: The Experience of Poverty, 1574-1845

Based entirely on research from primary sources, this book describes the development of the Scottish Poor Law as an instrument for the preservation of the old and destitute and, partially, as a protection against famine. It shows the effect of the Poor Law of the later Eighteenth Century agrarian reorganisation, the industrial revolution, Scottish urban development and the evangelical revival. This remarkably comprehensive investigation contains many revelations about the nature of Scottish social life over three centuries.* Covers the whole life of the Poor Law in Scotland* Based entirely on pioneering research of parish records and a wide range of other records* Contains numerous revelations about the nature of Scottish society over three centuries

Author: Rosalind Mitchison
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Published: 01/15/2000
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 9.19h x 6.17w x 0.76d
ISBN: 9780748613441

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2001 pg. 1856

About the Author

Formerly professor of social history at the University of Edinburgh, Mitchison has been one of Scotland's leading social historians for almost four decades.