Legitimacy was important.
James M. Ives/Wikimedia Commons
James M. Ives/Wikimedia Commons
The concept of “legitimate” and “illegitimate” children gained a foothold during the era, as it was quite common for children to be born out of wedlock. Life was tough for these children, considered “bastards,” as they wouldn’t receive the same care and benefits as “legitimate” children.
The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, also known as the Bastardy Clause, made things even worse, as it banned parishes from helping unwed mothers. This, in turn, forced unwed women and their children to toil in workhouses under terrible conditions.