Poor in Denmark

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There are many sources that tell about poor people's lives. In earlier times one can - in the country - look in the archives Rectory.

Look also in the county archives

In 1708 it was decided that the deserving poor had the right to welfare in the parish where they lived and the Rectory was to have poor protocol and keep poor records. It was the diocesan authorities, who had oversight of the local poor districts. Poor received money for rent, clothes etc.. The food they got, as a rule by begging in the parish.

After 1734 it was the county magistrate overseeing the local poor districts. Therefore, one can also find material on the poor and the poor farms in the county archives. Use registrant tours enhance investor in A in registraturbiblioteket or leaflet Registry in drawer cabinet at the instructions. You can also try one of Dean's archive. In towns you must look in rådstuearkivet - Class N.

After 1869, it is the borough municipal archive, that you have to search.

Marriage of the poor forbidden!

After 1868 it is in the parish council archives - in municipal archives, where cases of poor relief can be found. If the file has not been returned, you must contact the municipality. One hint that somebody has been helping the poor, can be found for example in the censuses. It may be that a person is almisselem or benefiting charity. Church books can also help. There may, for example by a couple's marriage be something that one party has received poor relief, which has been repaid. If you were poor, you could not get married without asking the authorities.

The law that people receiving welfare benefits, would obtain official permission to marry was repealed in 1961.