Poor in Denmark

Denmark

Poor in Denmark

There are many sources that tell about poor people's lives. In earlier times, particularly in the country, one can find these in the archives rectory, or præstegård. 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 (præstegård) was to have poor protocol and keep poor records. It was the diocesan authorities, who had oversight of the local poor districts. The poor received money for rent, clothing etc. The poor received food by begging, a right that was given to the "worthy poor".
For more information about beggars, see Forordning om Betlere i Danmark, 24. september 1708 - in Danish.

After 1734 it was the county magistrate overseeing the local poor districts. Therefore, material on the poor and the poor farms can also be found in the county archives. Use registrant tours enhance investor in Class A in registraturbiblioteket or leaflet registry in drawer cabinet at the instructions. You can also try one of deanery archives. In towns or cities, look in rådstuearkivet (city hall archive) - Class N. After 1869, search the borough municipal archive.

Marriage of the poor was often forbidden, as communities were concerned it may simply lead to more impoverished people.

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 from charity. Church books can also help. There may be something, for example, by a couple's marriage that one party has received poor relief, which has been repaid. If one were poor, one 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The law that people receiving welfare benefits would obtain official permission to marry was repealed in 1961.