In 1834 the government introduced an entirely new system for looking after the poor. The country was divided into areas to provide care through local Poor Law Unions.
The Newtown and Llanidloes Union was formed in this way, and it was run by a Board of Guardians chosen from across the area. The old records of the Guardians tell us something about how the poor of the area were cared for.
The new system dealt with the poor by locking them away in workhouses, and making them work for the care they received. It was a system designed to make poor people ashamed of needing help.

To find out more about the care of the poor around Newtown and Llanidloes select from the list below.