Understanding Vagabondage in Early Modern Crime
About This Worksheet
This reading comprehension worksheet explores the topic of vagabondage during the Early Modern period, examining societal attitudes, laws, and responses to vagrants.
Topics covered:
Worksheet Preview
Full preview • 7 questions
Understanding Vagabondage in Early Modern Crime
Untitled Worksheet
Introduction to Vagabondage in Early Modern England
Source A: An Extract from the 1572 Vagabonds Act
'It is enacted that every vagabond, sturdy beggar, or idle person wandering about the streets shall be taken, set in the stocks, whipped, or put in the stocks for three days and nights, and then whipped out of town.' Provenance: Official law passed by Parliament in 1572.
Legal Measures and Society’s Response
Source B: A Letter from a Local Justice of the Peace, 1590
'Vagabonds roam the streets at all hours, causing disorder and theft. We must deal with them harshly to maintain peace.' Provenance: A letter written by a local magistrate in 1590.
Vagabondage and Social Control
Source C: A Reflection by a Historian, 1900
'The laws against vagabonds were less about helping the poor and more about controlling the impoverished classes, often leading to their further marginalization.' Provenance: A historian’s analysis published in 1900.
Conclusion and Reflection
Reflect on the impact of laws against vagabondage on the poor in early modern England. Consider whether these laws achieved their intended purpose or created additional issues.
Quick Actions
What is Remix?
Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.
- • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
- • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
- • Add more questions (10 → 15)
- • Adjust difficulty
Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet