Warrant for the Removal of Margaret Adams and her four children from their home of Newcastle to Belfast in February 1857

Under the archaic laws of settlement, people in poverty like Margaret Adams could be forcibly returned to their place of birth – in this case Belfast. Margaret had lived in Newcastle for 14 years and had four children but was made homeless after the death of her husband. This document gives an insight into the Victorian laws used to restrict the movements of poor and homeless people. The records also tell us about who was targeted – quite often women with children as they were seen to be a financial burden.

We found this document at Tyne and Wear Archives

If you want to read more about this document and Margaret Adams then have a look at our blogpost: http://homelesshistorynewcastle.blogspot.com/p/the-removal-of-margaret-adams-from.html