jan 1, 1723 - The Workhouse Test Act

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This legislation allowed the establishment of workhouses where poor relief would be provided.

The legislation also marked the first appearance of the 'workhouse test' - that anyone who applied for relief would have to enter the workhouse where s/he would be obliged to undertake set work in return for relief. The principle was that entering the workhouse should be a deterrent to casual in irresponsible claims on the poor rates.

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