1601 Act for the Relief of the Poor passed to address three types of poor citizens of England and Wales.  The 'impotent poor' were the old, impotent and blind individuals who were unable to assist themselves and cared for in poorhouses.  The 'able-bodied poor' were employed in workhouses.  The 'idle poor' were sent to the penitentiary as they were considered able-bodied, but unwilling to work.10