The King's College Choir is one of today's most accomplished and renowned representatives of the great English choral tradition. It was created by King Henry VI, who founded King's College, Cambridge, in 1441, to provide daily singing in his Chapel, which remains the main task of the choir to this day. Today the choir is directed by Stephen Cleobury and derives much of its fame from the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast worldwide to millions on Christmas Eve every year, and the TV service Carols from King's which accompanies it. The choir commissions a carol from a contemporary composer for each year's Festival.
Early history
The statutes specify that the choir consists of ten chaplains, six clerks (lay singers) and sixteen choristers who were to be "poor and needy boys, of sound condition and honest conversation ... knowing competently how to read and sing". Perhaps recognising the workload placed upon the choristers who were to sing Matins, Mass and Vespers daily, the statutes also stated that "they should be doubly occupied with their prescribed duties and with their education".  When Henry VI was deposed during the Wars of the Roses in 1460, the choir was probably reduced in numbers due to lack of funds, although by 1467 the full choir was in residence again. During this time the choir were singing in a temporary chapel, with the main King's College Chapel still being under construction. On 22 April 1506 Henry VII visited Cambridge and attended evensong, and the following day heard mass with Bishop John Fisher. Following this visit, he resolved to fund continued construction, which was continued by his successor Henry VIII, completion finally coming in 1536.  Elizabeth I visited the chapel in 1564, and attended evensong on 5 August and again the following night, although she turned up late, causing the service to be restarted. It is recorded that pricksong was sung (an early form polyphony with a melody performed as a counterpoint to a plainsong) as it likely had been since the foundation of the college.  During Oliver Cromwell's rule the number of choral services were reduced, and departing choristers were not replaced. By 1651 there was only one chorister left and by 1654 there were none. Lay clerks were still retained during this time; it is likely that they sang secular anthems, including on Guy Fawkes Night. Upon the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, ten choristers were appointed immediately; the choir was at full strength by 1666.  In 1827 a survey of choir schools in England noted of King's: "the Choristers attend service in the Chapel once a day in the afternoon on common days; on Sundays and Saints' days twice, morning and evening. They are also permitted to sing at the Chapels of other Colleges, and at St. Mary's Church. They are instructed in singing by the organist, and in reading, writing, and arithmetic by a master appointed by the College. The Statutes prescribe that they should be under 12 years of age at their admission. They are generally admitted about eight years of age, and leave the Choir when the voice breaks."

Q: What was the early history?
A: statutes specify that the choir consists of ten chaplains, six clerks (lay singers) and sixteen choristers who were to be "poor and needy boys,

Q: Why did they have to be poor and needy boys?
A: the statutes also stated that "they should be doubly occupied with their prescribed duties and with their education".
why is that?
unknown
unknown