IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): COL/CC/JTB
Held at: London Metropolitan Archives
Title: COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL: JOINT BRIDGE HOUSE ESTATES AND IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE
Date(s): 1869-1872
Level of description: sub-fonds
Extent: 0.7 linear metres
Name of creator(s): Corporation of London
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The concept of the Court of Common Council grew from the ancient custom of the Folkmoot, when the assent of the citizens to important acts was obtained. This custom was continued by the Mayor who consulted the Commons several times during the 13th century. From 1376 the assembly began to meet regularly and was referred to as the Common Council. It was decided that the Council should be made up of persons elected from each Ward. By 1384 a permanent Common Council chosen by the citizens was established for all time. The Council assumed legislative functions and adopted financial powers, confirmed by Charters of 1377 and 1383. The Council has often used these powers to amend the civic constitution, regulate the election of Lord Mayor and other officials, and amend the functions of the City courts. The Council was judged so successful in the conduct of its duties that it was the only Corporation unreformed by Parliament following the Municipal Corporations Commission report of 1837, while the Corporation Inquiry Commission of 1854 suggested only minor reforms. The work of the Council is conducted by a number of committees, while the whole Council has the right to approve policy, confirm major decisions and sanction expenditure. The committees handle many aspects of the running of the City including land and estates, finance and valuation, open spaces, street improvement and town planning, public health, police, Port of London, civil defence, airports, libraries, markets, education, and law. The Town Clerk has held responsibility for recording the minutes of the Council and its committees since 1274.
The Joint Bridge House Estates and Improvement Committee was responsible for the rebuilding of Blackfriars Bridge and the construction of Holborn Viaduct, both completed in 1869.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Joint Bridge House Estates and Improvement Committee, Court of Common Council, including minutes regarding opening of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct by Queen Victoria, 8 Oct 1869 - 5 Dec 1872; committee papers, 1869-1870; tickets for opening, including pass tickets for Bridge and Viaduct, admission card to ceremony of opening, and programme of ceremony, 1869; plans of platforms etc. at Blackfriars Bridge, 1869; correspondence regarding the organisation of the opening ceremony and applications for tickets, 1869 and correspondence regarding the creation and provision of commemorative medals.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
In sections according to catalogue.
Conditions governing access:
Available for general access.
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copyright City of London.
Physical characteristics:
Fit
Finding aids:
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
Corporation of London Records Office.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of originals:
Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
See also CLA/021 and COL/CC/BBB for records relating to Blackfriars Bridge and COL/CC/IMP for material relating to the improvements committee and the construction of Holborn Viaduct.
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Date(s) of descriptions: February 2009