Then, what was the poor law in the 19th century?
The new Poor Law ensured that the poor were housed in workhouses, clothed and fed. Children who entered the workhouse would receive some schooling. In return for this care, all workhouse paupers would have to work for several hours each day.
Beside above, what were health conditions like in the 19th century? Diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis (often called consumption) were endemic; others such as cholera, were frighteningly epidemic. In the morbidity statistics, infectious and respiratory causes predominated (the latter owing much to the sulphurous fogs known as pea-soupers).
Also know, what were the living conditions like for the working class in the 19th century?
Many lived a hand-to-mouth existence, working long hours in often harsh conditions. There was no electricity, running water or central heating. With no electric lighting (or gas) the rhythm of life revolved around the hours of daylight, and therefore would have varied with the seasons.
Why were the conditions of the workhouses so awful?
Workhouses were to be so bad that anyone capable of coping outside them would choose not to be in one. No one was to receive money or other help from the Poor Law authorities except in a workhouse. Conditions were to be made harsh to discourage poverty.
