Guardian of the Poor Law and Legal Definition
Guardian of the poor refers to a person who is in charge of the relief and maintenance of the poor in parish. Guardians of the poor are governed under the Poor Relief Act of 1601. The title “guardian of the poor” is given to those officers whose duties are very similar to those of overseers of the poor, that is, generally to relieve the distresses of such poor persons who are unable to take care of themselves.