Oxfordshire, Banbury, Workhouses, 19th century, Primary sources, Poor Laws, Banbury Poor Law Union, Guardians Minute Books, Poor relief 

Before the 'new' Poor Law Act of 1834, those in need received relief through their parish overseer. This might be in the form of money, bread or payments for clothing or tools. This system was financed through the collection of rates from those who occupied land and property in the parish, and redistributed to the poorer inhabitants. Many parishes also had workhouses to provide opportunities for labour and income for those without work. After the 'new' Poor Law Act, parishes were grouped tohether into unions and the old parish workhouses were sold off.

This booklet lists Guardian's Minute Books, containing the names of people in the workshouses. It contains only a small part of the information available at the Oxfordshire Record Office.