The General Reasons for the Growth of Poverty and Vagrancy

Economic Factors

Population increase: There was an exponential growth in population during the period, from around 2.3 million in 1500 to almost 4 million by the end of the century. This rapid growth resulted in a surplus of labour and was a key contributor to increased poverty and vagrancy.
Inflation: As population grew, so did the demand for goods, especially food. This amplified inflationary pressure, decreasing the purchasing power of people and reducing real wages making it harder for many to escape poverty.
Enclosure movement: The conversion of large land tracts from public use to private property, known as the enclosure, led to dispossession of commoners who were dependent on communal lands for their subsistence. This caused displacement and migration of large groups leading to increased vagrancy.
Debasement of coinage: During the reign of Henry VIII and Edward VI, the debasement of English coinage led to the rise of commodity prices, contributing to economic instability and subsequently, increased poverty.

Sociopolitical Factors

Breakdown of feudal system: The gradual decay of the feudal system left formerly serf rural populations without land or a new source of income. These groups fell into poverty and were forced to move to urban centres in search of work, often becoming vagrants.
The dissolution of monasteries: Under the reign of Henry VIII, religious institutions were dissolved, displacing many of the people who were previously provided for by such establishments. The church had traditionally provided social services and its removal from local communities aggravated poverty.
Poor laws: The government introduced the poor laws to address issues of poverty, however, their help was limited, insufficient and often stigmatizing, leaving many people in poverty or resorting to vagrancy.

Technological and Demographic Factors

Changes in farming technologies and practices: Tools and techniques like seed drilling used in farming during this period failed to keep up with population growth. This imbalance contributed to food scarcity and consequently, poverty.
Urbanisation and overcrowding: As rural inhabitants migrated to cities in search of better opportunities, urban areas became overcrowded. This had repercussions such as poor sanitary conditions, increased disease, and job competition, exacerbating poverty and the growth of vagrancy.
Wars and epidemics: Frequent wars during this period led to loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of commerce. Diseases like the Sweating Sickness also reduced the labour force and hindered agricultural production, contributing to the prevalence of poverty.