Poor Law Unions

In the 19th century Norfolk poor relief became the responsibility of 22 unions, which were administered by Boards of Guardians.

The records of these Poor Law Unions, which include Norwich and Great Yarmouth, are prefixed C/GP. For a brief history, see our separate guide.

The Local Government Act of 1929 abolished the Boards of Guardians and placed the powers, duties, assets and liabilities of the unions with the county councils and county boroughs.

In response to this transfer of responsibilities, Norfolk County Council set up 13 guardians committees (see list C/GC) and the boroughs of Norwich and Great Yarmouth formed public assistance committees (see N/TC 31 and Y/WE).

Records

Aylsham Poor Law Union, 1805-1950 (C/GP 1)
Blofield Poor Law Union, 1835-1948 (C/GP 2)
Depwade Poor Law Union, 1775-1932 (C/GP 3)
Docking Poor Law Union, 1836-1948 (C/GP 4)
Downham Poor Law Union, 1836-1948 (C/GP 5)
Erpingham Poor Law Union, 1836-1955 (C/GP 6)
East and West Flegg Poor Law Union, 1775-1948 (C/GP 7)
Forehoe Poor Law Union, 1780-1948 (C/GP 8)
Freebridge Lynn Poor Law Union, 1826-1964 (C/GP 9)
Guiltcross Poor Law Union, 1836-1945 (C/GP 10)
Henstead Poor Law Union, 1835-1948 (C/GP 11)
Loddon and Clavering Poor Law Union, 1545-1948 (C/GP 12)
King's Lynn Poor Law Union, 1682-1951 (C/GP 13)
Mitford and Launditch Poor Law Union, 1776-1948 (C/GP 14)
St Faith's Poor Law Union, 1836-1948 (C/GP 15)
Swaffham Poor Law Union, 1835-1948 (C/GP 16)
Thetford Poor Law Union, 1835-1948 (C/GP 17)
Smallburgh (formerly Tunstead and Happing) Poor Law Union, 1836-1948 (C/GP 18)
Walsingham Poor Law Union, 1836-1948 (C/GP 19)
Wayland Poor Law Union, 1806-1948 (C/GP 20)