Stones We Cannot Eat P. W. Randell

How were the poor helped and how did they help themselves in the four hundred years after c 1500? This book examines how one Somersetshire community tried to deal with the problems of the poor and those who have been overwhelmed by poverty. For much of the period the parish officers administrated relief as required by the official Poor Law system. Alongside was a remarkable amount of charitable activity: a Hospital for the elderly; free education for children, especially boys; widespread individual charity; community subscriptions and celebrations which at times fed more than half the town's population. To help themselves the poor resorted to Savings Banks, allotment and Friendly Societies, all of which were actively supported by their wealthier neighbours. While motives were complex, with the desire to maintain the 'status quo' being prominent, genuine humanitarianism may clearly be seen. Many aspects reveal a community acting at its best. Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге Stones We Cannot Eat (P. W. Randell)