Guernsey, Poor Relief
Did your ancestor struggle to make ends meet? Poor relief records from 1811 to 1904 offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those who faced hardship, revealing the support they received from their community. Whether through outdoor relief, small cash payments to help them survive, or admission to a workhouse, these records capture moments of desperation, resilience, and survival. Tracing poor relief records can uncover forgotten stories of adversity and aid, helping you piece together the hidden struggles of your family’s past.
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Did your ancestor struggle to make ends meet? Poor relief records from 1811 to 1904 offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those who faced hardship, revealing the support they received from their community. Whether through outdoor relief, small cash payments to help them survive, or admission to a workhouse, these records capture moments of desperation, resilience, and survival. Tracing poor relief records can uncover forgotten stories of adversity and aid, helping you piece together the hidden struggles of your family’s past.
Learn more about these records
We have digitised the original poor relief registers and created transcripts of the vital details about your ancestor. The transcripts will include a combination of the following facts:
- Name – the registers did not always record the individual’s first name
- Age
- Birth Year
- Event year
- Residence
- Archive and reference
The original images can provide even more insight into your ancestor���s life during a time of strife. There are two types of registers and each with have unique information.
- Outdoor relief registers
- Amount of relief
- Birth place
- Father or husband’s parish
- Occupation
- Length of residence in the parish
- By whom recommended
- Remarks – might include a death date
- Disease
- Poor relief cash payments
- Amount received
- Marital status
In Guernsey, poor relief evolved from parish-based support to a more centralised system. Workhouses were established in the 18th century, providing care for those in need, while by the 1750s, local doctors assisted the "outdoor poor"—those who required aid but did not reside in workhouses. If your ancestor was admitted to the workhouse, search Guernsey Hospital Admission and Discharge. In the 19th century, each parish formed a Poor Law Board to oversee relief efforts, offering outdoor relief in the form of cash payments. Elected officials known as Procureurs of the Poor, similar to England’s Boards of Guardians, managed this system. In 1937, responsibility for poor relief transitioned to the Public Assistance Authority, marking a shift toward a more modern welfare structure.
In partnership with Bailiwick of Guernsey Digitisation Partnership this landmark digitisation project brings millions of searchable records online, only at Findmypast.