jan 1, 1494 - Vagabonds and Beggars Act

Description:

Henry VII made it illegal to be a beggar. During this period, vagabonds were seen as idlers, and therefore dangerous because they were close to the Devil.

Vagabonds and beggars were punished by:
- being sold into slavery
- being publicly whipped
- being branded with a 'V' on their foreheads
- being sent to a House of Correction
- being hanged if they were repeat offenders

Added to timeline:

Date: