Sheffield 1616

[Stuart0742]

Sheffield seems to have been a very poor place in the 17c

In 1616 Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury ordered a survey to be taken of the population of Sheffield for the purpose of discovering how many of the town's occupants could afford to help the poor.

The results of the survey, which was taken by 24 of the most prosperous inhabitants, was depressing to say the least, although probably not unusual for poverty was a common problem at this time.

It was revealed that out of a population of 2207 people, 725 were begging poor, whilst another 160 were so poor that not only could they not afford to help others, but would be reduced to beggary themselves by only one fortnights sickness. A further 100 were in a position to help others but even these were so poor that not one of them could afford to keep a plough team on his land and no more than 10 had enough means to keep a cow. The remaining 1222 were children and servants of the householders, and these were said to have to work very hard to earn their small wages.

[RichardB]

2008 most of us still are !