Vagabonds were those people who were homeless and went around the country looking for money, and often stole from people in order to live. Vagabondage was something that fast became a problem in Elizabethan society. Many in Elizabethan society thought that Vagabonds should be treated harshly so that law and order would not break down in society as a result.
The government introduced the 1572 Vagabonds Act in an attempt to deal with the problem of vagrancy. One punishment is set out for vagrants was whipping and those caught having a hole drilled in their ear. Repeat offenders were also sentenced to prison and eventually death.
