A more thorough explanation:

A guardian of the poor is a person who is responsible for taking care of the poor in a particular area. This person is in charge of providing relief and support to those who are in need.

In the past, guardians of the poor were responsible for administering funds that were raised under the Poor Relief Act of 1601. These funds were used to provide assistance to those who were unable to support themselves.

Today, the role of the guardian of the poor is performed by local authorities. These authorities are responsible for providing support and assistance to those who are in need, including financial assistance, housing, and other forms of support.

For example, if someone in a particular area is unable to support themselves due to illness or disability, the guardian of the poor would be responsible for providing them with the necessary support and assistance. This might include financial assistance to help them pay for food and housing, as well as medical care and other forms of support.