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The Medical Club has its origins in the series of anniversary dinners of gentlemen educated at the London Hospital, which began in 1792. The dinners have been held regularly, except in wartime, ever since.

The Club was formally established in 1838 when it was agreed that membership be given to former students paying the annual subscription of 2 guineas, later reduced to 25 shillings. The Club's affairs were run by a committee, later succeeded by a smaller Executive Council. Between 1867 and 1887 Biennial Festivals of the London Hospital Medical College were held, and club dinners given on alternate years. In 1881 a benevolent fund was started for the relief of widows and orphans of alumni, to fund entrance scholarships for the Medical College. An employment agency, originally run unofficially by the Surgeon's Beadle, was adopted by the Club in about 1905. It provided locums and assistants for Old Londoners in general practice.

In the 1970s the Club took over the anniversary dinner, which had for many years been organised by the Hospital's Medical Council. The Medical Club also relaunched The London Hospital Gazette in 1975, in association with the Dental Club. The Club was active in several appeals, including the Medical College Bicentenary Appeal. In 2000 the London Hospital Medical Club merged with the London Hospital Dental Club and Barts Alumni Association, to form the Barts and The London Alumni Association.

The London Hospital Dental Club was founded in 1951 to provide a forum for former and present alumni and staff of the Dental School. The Club organised annual clinical meetings, annual dinners from 1953, and provided a benevolent fund. The Dental Club also relaunched the London Hospital Gazette in 1975, in association with the Medical Club. In 2000 the London Hospital Dental Club merged with the London Hospital Medical Club and Barts Alumni Association, to form the Barts and The London Alumni Association.

Homoeopathy was introduced to Britain by Dr Frederick Hervey Quin in the first half of the nineteenth century. Dr Quin had been trained in the homoeopathic system in Germany by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the 'father of homoeopathy'. Quin developed the first homoeopathic practice in Britain and became extremely successful. His success led him to open a homoeopathic dispensary for the poor, this failed but he turned instead to the idea of a hospital specialising in homoeopathic medicine. He raised sufficient funds, mainly from his aristocratic patients and supporters, to buy a property at 32 Golden Square for his first hospital. The first patients were admitted on 10 April 1850, 156 in-patients and over 1500 outpatients were treated in the first year. This was the London Homoeopathic hospital. The Hospital later moved to a site on the corner of Great Ormond Street and Queen's Square.

In 1948 the London Homoeopathic Hospital became part of the National Health Service, it was also around this time that it gained royal patronage and became the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital. Under the NHS the administration of the hospital was in the hands of the London Homoeopathic Hospital Management Committee under the London (Teaching) Regional Hospital Board. NHS reorganisation in 1974 found the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital part of the North East Thames Regional Health Authority and South Camden (Teaching) District Health Authority. This changed again in 1982 when the hospital came under Bloomsbury District Health Authority.

In 1992 the Homoeopathic Hospital became part of Parkside NHS Trust. On 1st April 2002 the hospital became part of University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH) as part of its Specialist Hospitals Board, enabling closer collaboration between complementary therapies and conventional medicine. From 2002-2005 the RLHH underwent a comprehensive £20million redevelopment transforming it into a state of the art treatment and research facility, while this work was in progress the hospital's clinical services were relocated to Greenwell Street adjacent to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

The renovation was planned with consultation from patients and clinicians to provide a peaceful healing environment, as well as facilities for group clinics, education and an information centre. The renovated building was re-opened in June 2005.

In 2007 the senior clinician and management staff unanimously decided that it was the right time to rename the hospital to the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine in order to more accurately reflect the nature of its work.

Homoeopathy was introduced to Britain by Dr Frederick Hervey Quin in the first half of the nineteenth century. Dr Quin had been trained in the homoeopathic system in Germany by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the 'father of homoeopathy'. Quin developed the first homoeopathic practice in Britain and became extremely successful. His success led him to open a homoeopathic dispensary for the poor, this failed but he turned instead to the idea of a hospital specialising in homoeopathic medicine. He raised sufficient funds, mainly from his aristocratic patients and supporters, to buy a property at 32 Golden Square for his first hospital. The first patients were admitted on 10 April 1850, 156 in-patients and over 1500 outpatients were treated in the first year. This was the London Homoeopathic hospital. The Hospital later moved to a site on the corner of Great Ormond Street and Queen's Square.

In 1948 the London Homoeopathic Hospital became part of the National Health Service, it was also around this time that it gained royal patronage and became the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital. Under the NHS the administration of the hospital was in the hands of the London Homoeopathic Hospital Management Committee under the London (Teaching) Regional Hospital Board. NHS reorganisation in 1974 found the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital part of the North East Thames Regional Health Authority and South Camden (Teaching) District Health Authority. This changed again in 1982 when the hospital came under Bloomsbury District Health Authority.

In 1992 the Homoeopathic Hospital became part of Parkside NHS Trust. On 1st April 2002 the hospital became part of University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH) as part of its Specialist Hospitals Board, enabling closer collaboration between complementary therapies and conventional medicine. From 2002-2005 the RLHH underwent a comprehensive £20million redevelopment transforming it into a state of the art treatment and research facility, while this work was in progress the hospital's clinical services were relocated to Greenwell Street adjacent to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

The renovation was planned with consultation from patients and clinicians to provide a peaceful healing environment, as well as facilities for group clinics, education and an information centre. The renovated building was re-opened in June 2005.

In 2007 the senior clinician and management staff unanimously decided that it was the right time to rename the hospital to the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine in order to more accurately reflect the nature of its work.

The Convalescent home was opened on the 25th August 1888 and was founded by Mrs Clifton-Brown and Major Vaughan Morgan.

The London History Workshop Centre was established in 1982 as a spin-off from the national History Workshop events and History Workshop Journal. The Centre aimed to gather material on all aspects of London life, organise and conserve such material and encourage participation and involvement by Londoners in recording and using the city's history. The Centre also offered an educational service, ran events, such as the LCC/GLC Centenary, and produced a number of publications. A major part of its work was a sound and video archive which collected stored and made accessible audio and video recordings about and by Londoners. The Centre closed in 1992.

London History Workshop was commissioned by the Greater London Council (GLC) to set up a major exhibition on the South Bank in 1984 to celebrate 95 years of strategic local government in London (the London County Council was founded in 1889). The resulting exhibition took the form of a walk-in birthday cake with background soundtrack and images portraying London life.

The aims of the London History Teachers' Association were: to promote meetings of interest to history teachers in secondary schools; to further the interests of history teachers by exchanging experience of syllabus and method, by attempting to place the results of research and revision at their disposal and by providing opportunity for them to meet each other informally and socially; to experiment in liaison work between university and school; to investigate the problems, scope and content of history teaching and to organise a body of opinion, to collaborate with other interested groups and to consult with examining boards. Membership was open to anyone interested in the teaching of history in secondary schools. In 1975 it was felt that the pioneer role of the Association in encouraging in-service education and been increasingly pre-empted by other bodies, that there were increased pressures on teachers in terms of time and energy, and difficulties in public transport which all resulted in poor attendance. The Association therefore decided to cease formal meetings and instead to continue for social activities only. During the course of its activities, it held lectures and meetings on a wide range of subjects and its records give an insight into the opinions and concerns of history teachers during the period. Guest speakers addressed a variety of practical, philosophical and political issues affecting the teaching of history. Topics ranged from 'What is a good textbook?', 'The training of a history teacher', 'Archaeology in schools' and 'The use and production of television programmes for history' to '"A world outlook": its educational implications'. The Association was chaired by Margaret Bryant and Jim Henderson of the University of London Institute of Education.

The London Head Teachers Association (LHTA) was founded in 1888 and held its first conference at Saffron Hill in July of that year. It was originally called the School Board for London Head Teachers Association with membership restricted to head teachers of School Board Schools. When the London County Council became responsible for education in 1902 the name was changed to the London Head Teachers Association and all head teachers in the LCC area became eligible to join.

The founders of LHTA felt a need for an organisation which could present to the SBL the special problems which faced head teachers. A recruitment brochure of c1960 (GLRO ref: Acc 2794/108) clarifies this stating that the aims of the LHTA are to
1) advance the interests of education,
2) to formulate opinion of Head teachers in London
3) to encourage and support members in their work and
4) to safeguard the Status and interests of Head teachers in all types of schools.

One of the most important contributions made by the LHTA was the part it played in establishing a National Federation of Head Teacher Associations in 1897 (see Acc 2794/116 for further details). LHTA is now the largest branch of the National Association of Head Teachers.

The LHTA is divided into district associations each governed by its own committee (see Acc 2794/36 for Minutes of District 10). Each district sends representatives to Council, which, along with several sub-committees, for example, professional and Specialist Schools, forms the central administrative body of LHTA.

The Association celebrated its Centenary in 1988 and continues to serve the interests of education and head teachers in the Greater London area.

Please contact the Archive for further information.

The East Surrey Traction Company was incepted in 1911 by Arthur Henry Hawkins. The first service ran between Reigate and Redhill but operations expanded rapidly and by 1914 twelve vehicles were serving destinations between Sevenoaks and Caterham. An association was formed with the London General Omnibus Company Limited {LGOC} and by 1923 East Surrey was working more LGOC buses than its own and had changed its company livery from blue to LGOC red.

Throughout its time East Surrey kept careful control of its territory - rival operators were quickly bought out or allowed to fail and the company became the most significant operator in the whole of the area that came to be termed 'London country'.

On 12 June 1929 the LGOC secured control of East Surrey. In its new guise as London General Country Services, the company took over operation of country services north of London as well on 1 March 1932. However, the East Surrey livery virtually disappeared when the London Passenger Transport Board came into being on 1 July 1933.

No information available at present.

The London Gas Light and Coke Company Deed of Settlement was formed in 1832-1833. It was incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1844 (7-8 Victoria cap. 95); 1849 (12-13 Victoria cap. 37) and 1852 (15-16 Victoria cap. 82). The Company had Gas Works at Nine Elms, Vauxhall. It was amalgamated with the (Chartered) Gas Light and Coke Company in 1883.

The London Fish Trade Association was formed in 1880 as the London Fish Salesman's Association to protect the interests of Billingsgate merchants. It changed its name to the London Fish Trade Association in 1881. From 1884 it occupied the subscription rooms in Billingsgate Market. From 1934 the Association operated coastal advice and bulking schemes for the benefit of members; various other schemes were undertaken later.

The Association was incorporated in 1946 as the London Fish Merchants' Association (Billingsgate) Ltd (see CLC/B/151-01), and a trading company, London Wholesale Fish Trade (Billingsgate) Ltd (see CLC/B/151-05), was formed at the same time to take over the operation of the various schemes.

The London Fish Merchants' Assocation (Billingsgate) Limited was founded upon the incorporation of the London Fish Trade Association in 1946. A trading company, London Wholesale Fish Trade (Billingsgate) Limited, (CLC/B/151-05) was formed at the same time to take over the operation of the various schemes.

The London Fire Engine Establishment was created and maintained by the principal fire insurance offices of London. It was formed in 1832 "with a view to the better protection of the property and lives of the inhabitants of the Metropolis, and its vicinity". Although a private body with no official standing, it was recognised as the public fire service for the London area. However, the Tooley Street fire of 1861 and the expansion of London caused both the fire offices and the Government to reconsider the arrangements for fire protection in London. This led to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Act of 1865 and the eventual division of fire extinguishing and salvage work. The Act made fire extinguishing the responsibility of the Metropolitan Board of Works and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade was created to fulfil this function from 1 January 1866. The London County Council inherited the responsibility in 1889.

The London Fire Brigade Widows and Orphans Fund came into existence in 1882. It was known in the Brigade as "The Captain's Club" as a tribute to the then Chief Officer of the Brigade, and originator of the Fund, Sir Eyre Massey Shaw. The impetus for its creation was provided by a donation of £600 from a Miss C. Morris in 1880. There was also the need to administer the money contributed by the public and members of the Fire Brigade following the deaths of firemen whilst on duty.

In the first year the members (about 520) paid 6d per week. On retirement the benefit was £2 a year for each year served, plus a further death benefit if membership was continued. If a fireman was killed on duty the widow received £50 plus a pension of £2 per month. Large donations from the public were needed to maintain these grants.

By 1901 the subscription was increased to one shilling per week but to maintain the Fund public donations were still required. Fund raising was vigorously undertaken by the trustees of the Club and benefits were amended. The widow's pension of £2 ceased after five years of receipt. The death benefit remained at £50 and assistance with funeral costs up to £7.10.0. was given. The Brigade's need for donations became well known and money came in from all sources, including annual donations from King Edward VII and the future George V. The Sovereign has continued to act as Patron of the Fund.

The Committee of the Club originally consisted of the Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade as President or Chairman, other senior officers and the trustees. The men were represented by members from the station at each Annual General Meeting.

At this time the Club was the only form of welfare and benevolence in the Brigade. Convalescent holidays were arranged for sick and injured men and in 1911 the first steps towards looking after orphans in a specialised way were taken. Following the death of a fireman with several children the Committee put the benefit to an annuity of ten shillings a week. This matured nineteen years later when the youngest child reached the age of 21. It was not until twenty five years later that a weekly allowance was made to orphans.

When the subscription proved to much for members (especially retired members) to afford, it was deemed acceptable to pay half or quarter of the total amount. Half and quarter benefits were paid for these reduced subscriptions. In certain cases the Committee waived payment altogether, especially when young children were in need.

During the years of the First World War the members demanded better representation on the Committee. The issue was considered and it was decided that a member from each of the six areas be voted on to the Committee.

By the end of the war the Club was responsible for £45,400 and membership was in the region of 1600.

In 1919 the Emergency Fund was instituted. The Committee was free to administer the funds to the best advantage and give aid as soon as it was needed, without being bound by any restrictions.

The Retirement Fund was another scheme for which the Club Committee was responsible. It started about 1916 and collapsed, being revived again in 1919. A lump sum equal to the week's takings was given to each member as he retired. The Fund cost 6d to join. It was disbanded in the 1950s by which time the original membership of 700 had risen to 1500.

The 1920s and 1930s were times of hardship for many, and this, added to an increase in the Brigade's establishment, meant that there were frequent calls on the Club's resources. The Distress Fund was formed in the mid 1930s to provide a means whereby money could be borrowed to clear debts and then be paid back without incurring interest. The Sub-Committee controlling this Fund consisted of a principal officer, a superintendent and two elected representatives.

The first full-time paid official was instituted in the 1930s. From 1 July 1933 the Secretary, Mr. W.G. Coles, who had been honorary since 1915, was paid a salary of £300 per annum.

The Club was responsible for maintaining the "Fireman's Corner" at Highgate Cemetery. In 1934 they paid for a memorial to be erected in honour of the 97 men who were buried there.

The Second World War saw a rise in the number of orphans receiving allowances. During the war the membership of the Club became dispersed. Auxiliary Fire Service and the National Fire Service personnel were not allowed to join as they were not members of the London Fire Brigade. Subscription collection became increasingly difficult and quarterly payment instead of weekly was introduced.

The National Fire Service formed its own Benevolent Fund in the 1940s. The Club feared a takeover attempt but this did not come to pass and at the end of the war the NFS was wound down. In common with other organisations the Committee of the Club found themselves preparing for the future in a country whose social patterns had been irrevocably altered by the war. In May 1945 a special sub-committee was set up to vet the rules and set future policy. The Secretary was joined by another paid official, the Assistant Secretary. A new Rules Sub-Committee was formed and changed the formation of the Committee to elected representatives from each division plus senior officer ranks.

In 1959 the Club became a Friendly Society to save tax. This idea had been mooted several times before (during the two world wars for example) but the Committee had decided that at times of national emergency it was its patriotic duty to pay income tax.

By 1961 there were approximately 2000 active and 1500 retired members. The orphans numbered 63.

In 1965 the Club was united with the West Ham Widows and Orphans Fund. In 1970 the Club handed over responsibility for Fireman's Corner, Highgate Cemetery to the Brigade's Welfare Section. Also in 1970-1971, following the decimalization of currency and in an attempt to counter the rise in inflation which was devaluing the benefit payment of £200, a "new scheme" was introduced. Units of 15p were paid weekly giving benefits subject to a person's age on joining.

In the 1980s the active membership stood at 2805 with 1083 retired members. 32 orphans received a benefit allowance of £1.00 per week plus a Christmas bonus of £15.00. Payment of death benefit could be obtained from holding a maximum of ten units. The existence of the Club was bought to the attention of all new recruits and they were entitled to join at any time up to the age of 45 years.

The London Feminist History Group (1973-1989) was established in 1973 as an informal discussion group that met in the homes of participating members and was the first organisation of its kind in the UK. Its main function was to provide a supportive and productive atmosphere in which to create works of feminist history and to support new women's studies course students. The general emphasis was to share information and problems and provide support and stimulus to those women doing research. Members were defined as those who took part in each meeting; these meetings were led by one or two women who acted as convenors and undertook the administration of the organisation for a year before passing the role to another. The group invited speakers to address meetings on a regular basis as well as holding 'work in progress'; meetings were members discussed their own projects. From its beginning, the group had close links with the Women's Research and Resources Centre through a number of mutual members and the two organisations shared homes over a period of several years until the early 1980s. The group was wound-up in 1989.

The London Electricity Consultative Council (LECC) was established in 1947 under the Electricity Act 1947 which nationalised all the electricity companies. It was one of many area consultative councils established in Britain to answer complaints from consumers concerning electricity supply. All Area Electricity Consultative Councils (AECCs) were sponsored by the Department of Trade.

The LECC dealt with complaints concerning the London Electricity Board (LEB). In 1976 their work expanded to include complaints about purchases made from LEB shops (in 1988 this accounted for 13% of complaints made), From 1947 to 1986, District Committees dealt with local issues and reported to the LECC. The District Committees were replaced by local complaints panels in 1986.

The LECC acted as a consumer watchdog body, it was involved in negotiations with the LEB on policy, tariffs and complaints and it published annual reports. Its headquarters were at Newspaper House, Great New Street, London EC4. In March 1990 the Electricity Act 1989 came into force, privatising the electricity industry, and the LECC was abolished.

After March 1990 a new regulating body was formed, the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER), based in Birmingham with localised branch offices.

The London Electricity Board (LEB) was responsible for the supply of electricity, and retail and development of electrical appliances to domestic customers and businesses in the London area from 1948 to 1990. Although the LEB's geographical area of 250 square miles was the smallest in the country, it was the most densely populated, having over 20,000 inhabitants per square mile (1950s). The Board had resulted from the nationalisation of electricity which had brought together a large number of undertakings that had developed in a piecemeal fashion since the 1880s.

The LEB predecessor undertakings with records in this collection comprise:
Saint Pancras Metropolitan Borough Council
Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council
Islington Metropolitan Borough Council
Poplar Metropolitan Borough Council
Leyton Municipal Borough Council
Walthamstow Urban District Council
Battersea Metropolitan Borough Council
Barking Urban District Council
Fulham Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnes Urban District Council
Chislehurst Electric Supply Corporation Ltd
London Electric Supply Corporation Ltd
Dartford Urban District Council
East Ham County Borough Council
Ilford Municipal Borough Council
Willesden Urban District Council
Bethnal Green Metropolitan Borough Council
Erith Urban District Council
Marylebone Electric Supply Company Ltd
Bermondsey Metropolitan Borough Council
County of London Electric Supply Company Ltd
Woolwich Metropolitan Borough Council
The Metropolitan Electric Supply Company Ltd
West Kent Electric Company Ltd
Wimbledon Municipal Borough Council
Beckenham Urban District Council
Central London Electricity Ltd
London Associated Electricity Undertakings Ltd
City of London Electric Lighting Company Ltd
Foots Cray Electricity Supply Company Ltd
South London Electric Supply Company Ltd
South Metropolitan Electric Light and Power Company Ltd
Southwark Metropolitan Borough Council
Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company
Stepney Metropolitan Borough Council
London Power Company Ltd
Bromley Rural District Council
Hampstead Metropolitan Borough Council
Shoreditch Metropolitan Borough Council
West Ham County Borough Council
Hackney Metropolitan Borough Council

For detailed histories of these undertakings see the introduction to LMA/4278/01 and for the LEB see the introduction to LMA/4278/02 in the catalogue.

The use of gas as a power source was unchallenged until the 1870s when the first displays of electricity took place. In 1882 the Electricity Lighting Act gave the right to private companies to obtain permission to dig up streets or use overhead cables, and in 1883 the first power station was constructed at Holborn Viaduct. In these early years many small plants, all using different systems and voltages, were set up.

In 1883 the Grosvenor Gallery set up a private lighting supply for the gallery. Neighbours expressed an interest and the Gallery expanded its supply to an area stretching from the Thames to Regent's Park and from Knightsbridge to the Law Courts. The London Electric Supply Corporation Limited was formed in 1887 to take over the Gallery undertaking. A new site was established at Deptford allowing the Company to expand. This set the pattern for future development of large stations supplying a wider area.

After the Second World War the electricity supply was nationalised, and most of London's electricity companies became part of the London Electricity Board.

The Underground Electric Railways Company of London Limited was a holding company made up of three separate companies, the Baker Street and Waterloo Railway; Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway and the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway. These railway companies founded sections of the Bakerloo Line, Northern Line and Piccadilly Line respectively. From 1908 they referred to themselves as the Underground Group andintroduced fare agreements. In 1910 the London Electric Railway Amalgamation Act was passed, merging these three companies into the London Electric Railway Company.

The London Electric Railway Company purchased the London General Omnibus Company in 1912, and also had joint ownership of the London and Suburban Traction Company which operated many tramways. In 1933 the Company was liquidated and nationalised, and services came under the control of the London Passenger Transport Board.

The London Ecology Unit provides an ecological service to local authorities and other public bodies, voluntary organisations and development agencies on all aspects of nature conservation and applied ecology. It can perform Environmental Impact Assessments, undertake research and assist in developing nature reserves and ecology parks in urban areas. The Unit has published a series of ecology handbooks, and various advisory notes.

The Wesley Guild was the concept of Reverend W.B. Fitzgerald in the late 19th century and was put forward at the Liverpool Conference in 1896 by Reverend Charles Kelly. The Guild's original aim was to educate young people and improve the body, mind and spirit and provided activities such as camping, cycling and holiday clubs.

The London Guild Council was established in 1899 and functioned to bring together London's local guilds and promote joint projects. The most important event was the London Guilds Rally which was held for many years in the Central Hall, Westminster. The rally included various talks and sometimes a public speaking contest. The council was wound up on 31 October 2011.

Source: http://www.wesleyguild.org (accessed 7 August 2013).

Source: 'Report of the Officers Committee review of the London Guilds Rally' (LMA/4623/01/001)

The London Dispensary was founded in 1777 for the provision of free medicines and healthcare. It was at first situated in Primrose Street, Bishopsgate, but moved to Artillery Lane and then to No. 27 Fournier Street, where it remained between 1828 and 1946. It served Spitalfields, Mile End, Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Norton Folgate and Bethnal Green.

In 1809 sermons were preached to raise money for the Dispensary, these noted that since 1777 nearly 99,000 patients had been seen. A letter of recommendation from a governor was needed in order to see one of the doctors. When a patient was cured they had to send an official letter of thanks to the governor who recommended them, otherwise they would not be allowed further treatment.

The Dispensary was closed in 1946 when the National Health Service was created. Remaining funds were given to the Mildmay Mission Hospital.

From: 'The Wood-Michell estate: Fournier Street', Survey of London: volume 27: Spitalfields and Mile End New Town (1957), pp. 199-225.

The London Diocesan Penitentiary was formed after a gift of money to the Rev George Nugee in 1853, for the establishment of a house for the "reception and reformation of penitent fallen women". The sum involved was inadequate for the purpose and a public appeal for donations and subscriptions was made. A Council was appointed under the presidency of the Bishop of London on 20 March 1854, and an executive committee was formed.

Temporary accommodation was found at Hampton Court and then at Sunbury in 1855, but by the end of that year the lease had been acquired on Park House, Highgate. This property and adjoining land was subsequently purchased for £11,500 in 1861 and a mortgage raised to meet the cost; much of the adjoining land was later leased or sold for building and the money obtained used to assist paying off the mortgage.

The later history of the institution is uncertain, although in 1900 it was taken over by the Clewer sisters (an Anglican female religious community based in Clewer, Berkshire), and, at an unknown date, it became known as the House of Mercy. It was closed in 1940.

No historical information has yet been located for this Council, which presumably worked to support candidates for ordination into the priesthood based in the Diocese of London.

The London Diocesan Council for Penitentiary, Rescue and Preventative Work was founded by the Diocesan Conference of 1889 at the suggestion of Bishop Frederick Temple. There already existed numerous homes and refuges for 'fallen women' and 'endangered girls', including the Diocesan Penitentiaries at Fulham and Highgate, the Women's Mission to the Fallen, the Men's League for the Rescue of Harlots, the Lady Guardians' Committee helping unmarried mothers in workhouses and the Metropolitan Association for Befriending Young Servants carrying out preventative work with domestic staff. Much of the initial work of the Council was to achieve some sort of co-ordination of these different organisations. An office was established in Church House, Westminster, and a secretary was hired. The rapid expansion of the Council, from ten homes in 1893 to fifty homes and twenty-four local societies in 1900, was largely owing to the work of the Ladies' Committee.

The homes included Saint Mary's Home for younger girls in Bourdon Street, run by the Sisters of Saint Peter, which became known for innovation in the matter of general education and constructive practical training. The Blue Lamp Refuge, established in the 1890s, was open 24 hours, offering a place of safety for local prostitutes. In 1901 Saint Agnes House was opened as a training house for the Council's workers.

The Council also worked with men, through the Men's Committee. The main emphasis of their work was education in personal and public morality through lectures, sermons and the distribution of literature. Some of their pamphlets were described in annual reports as requiring 'the most delicate consideration', implying that they addressed matters of sexual behaviour. The First World War increased the work of the Committee and they lectured in military camps. However, after the war the Committee was disbanded and the work continued by another organisation, the White Cross League.

After the First World War the Council found itself in a poor financial situation, necessitating a move of offices, to Little Grosvenor Street, and the redundancy of their secretary. In addition the workers felt a growing feeling of depression, finding the girls increasingly difficult to influence. Generous but grants from the Ministry of Health for their 'voluntary maternity and child welfare services' helped to tide over this awkward period. The emphasis and balance of the work slowly changed, with fewer, but better, homes and more outside workers, some based in maternity hospitals and venereal disease hospitals, befriending and providing after-care for patients. Inter-diocese co-operation increased and regular meetings were held for the exchange of ideas, including the formation of the London and Southwark Diocesan Moral Education Committee. Work with prostitutes was gradually decreased, as the Women Police were seen to be undertaking this work. However, a drive for better sex education for both sexes was begun, with literature distributed and lectures held.

The Second World War brought problems for the Council, as several homes were destroyed by bombing and its workers were called away to war-work. This coincided with an increase in the number of illegitimate children. This led to a change in policy. Where previously the mother's right to keep the child and the father's duty to maintain it were stressed, more thought was now given to the welfare and future of the baby, which meant that where appropriate adoption was encouraged.

In 1943 the Ministry of Health placed statutory obligations on local authorities to provide for unmarried mothers and children. The Council therefore became more closely united with welfare services. Regular grants were paid by the London County Council, whilst the Diocesan Council made strenuous efforts to increase its own private income, firstly through the Women's Offering Fund and then through a periodical contribution according to the Diocesan quota.

The Council changed its name to the 'London Diocesan Association for Moral Welfare', in the 1970s changing it again, to the 'London Diocesan Council for Welcare'.

From its establishment in 1902 the London Day Training College was governed by a Local Committee appointed by the Technical Education Board (TEB) of the London County Council (LCC). This was originally composed of representatives from the TEB, the Senate of the University of London and the London School Board. From 1904, when the LCC took responsibility for all education in London, the LDTC Local Committee reported to the LCC's Higher Education Sub-Committee and was composed of the Chairman of the LCC, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the LCC Education Committee, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of London and six representatives each from the University and the LCC. In Nov 1909 when the LDTC became a School of the University, the composition of its governing body was altered to include the College's Principal and Vice-Principal. At the same date it changed its name from the LDTC Local Committee to the LDTC Council. The LCC retained financial control while the LDTC Council was responsible for all other management issues. In Jun 1930, with a view to the transfer of management of the College to the University of London, Senate appointed a Transfer Committee which reported in Jul 1931. A Provisional Delegacy, appointed by Senate, took over management in 1931 (see IE/ULD). In 1932 full control of the LDTC was transferred to the University of London, not as a School, but as a central activity of the University, and was re-named the Institute of Education. From this date it was governed by a Delegacy appointed by Senate and an Academic Board (see IE/ACB) composed of Institute staff.

The first Principal of the London Day Training College, opened in 1902, was Sir John Adams. The Principal was also a University of London Professor of Education until 1945. Percy Nunn and Margaret Punnet acted as Master and Mistress of Method who had the 'personal oversight of the men and women students respectively, will give lectures on method and school management, will supervise the attendance of students at practising schools and preside at criticism and model lessons and generally act as tutors and directors'. In 1905 these titles were replaced by those of Vice-Principal. Percy Nunn succeeded Adams as Principal in 1922, and Miss Punnett became the sole Vice-Principal.

The London Day Training College was founded in 1902. It became the Institute of Education in 1932.

Since 1361 the Justices of the Peace met in their court of Quarter Sessions to try offences, and also, from the mid Sixteenth Century to deal with county administration. It was from this latter date with the increase in their workload that Justices began to do some of their business (minor legal and specific administrative tasks) outside of the formal sessions, either singly or in small groups.

Over the next century meetings outside of sessions became more regular, and more matters were dealt with there which had previously been heard at full sessions. They were often carried out at the magistrates' own homes, sometimes at special session meetings in a local court house, tavern or other meeting place. From 1828 all courts of Quarter Sessions were able to create districts or divisions specifically for petty sessions, either new areas or formalising any earlier informal divisions.

It was not only routine administration which was dealt with at these meetings, but some of the judicial procedure which needed carrying out pre-trial. Magistrates would examine alleged offenders and witnesses, take sworn statements (depositions), issue warrants for arrest or summonses to appear at court, bind over individuals to appear, and commit the accused to gaol to await trial or further investigation. Increasingly, they went further and began to sit without a jury to dispense immediate summary justice - either alone, or as a group of two or more known as the 'petty sessions'. They were, of course, hearing very minor cases such as those involving common assault, drunkenness, apprenticeship disputes, byelaw infringement, and (from 1664) attendance at illegal religious assemblies. The punishment they gave here was binding over with a recognizance to keep the peace; committal to prison for a short time (with a discharge before a main trial at the sessions started); or arbitration between the parties concerned to reach a settlement.

Offences which required a jury trial would still be heard at Quarter Sessions or the Assizes (Gaol Delivery Sessions at the Old Bailey), but petty sessions avoided the expense and hassle of a full trial for what were literally petty cases.

The Progressive Party was formed in 1888 to contest local government elections in London. It was allied with the Liberal Party, the labour movement and the Fabian Society. Social reformer Sidney Webb was a councillor for the party. The Progressives won the first London County Council elections in 1889 and held power until 1907. In 1907 the Municipal Reform Party, allied to the Conservative Party, won the Council and held it until 1934; after which the Labour Party gained control and held it until the abolition of the London County Council.

The association began life as the Saint James Society in 1824, as its early meetings were held at Saint James Clerkenwell. In 1903 it expanded and became known as the London County Association of Change Ringers. In 1911 the association formed separate Northern and Southern Districts with separate officers but responsible to the overall association via its General Body officers and meetings - this situation lasted until World War II when the district operation was suspended. In 1929 the association had 'North Southwark Diocesan Guild' added to its title, but this was dropped in the early 1970s, and the title altered to London County Association of Church Bell Ringers.

The first Council of Social Service was founded in Hampstead in 1901 by Thomas Hancock Nunn (1859-1937) who laid the foundations of the London Council of Social Service. In 1910 the Social Welfare Association for London was inaugurated at a meeting at Mansion House: this body had the active support of both the Lord Mayor of London (Sir John Knill) and the chairman of the London County Council (Sir Melvill Beachcroft). The aim of the association was to "secure systematic co-operation between social, charitable and industrial undertakings throughout the metropolis, and the establishment of councils of social welfare in every metropolitan borough to give effect to these objects". In 1919 the association changed its name to the London Council of Social Service (LCSS). From 1979 onwards, the Council has been known as the London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC), and it is still the central co-ordinating body for social work organisations and activities throughout Greater London.

The LCSS was involved in many different aspects of social work and provided a number of key services to small and disparate organisations. Its core activity was the servicing, support and promotion of local Councils of Social Service in the metropolitan boroughs. In its early existence, the organisations belonging to Councils of Social Service (CSS) provided direct services which later became the responsibility of statutory bodies. Social service, however, developed a wider interpretation and now most members of CSS's are either self-help groups formed to alleviate distress caused by a particular disease or handicap, or community groups concerned with the improvement of the environment and the quality of life. The CSS's aim to provide the means for a partnership between the voluntary and the statutory services in existence at any one time. The LCSS was split up into various departments, each having an advisory committee. The Information Department worked to assimilate, assess and process all relevant information from general and specialist sources, making it available in concise form to social workers. From 1923, the LCSS produced a London Supplement, which was circulated with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) monthly bulletin. From 1965 the LCSS had its own independent monthly publication on the social services (see Information Bulletin, ACC/1888/267-283).

The London Churches Group, made up of representatives from all the major denominations, Greek Orthodox, Quaker, Salvation Army and Jewish Communities, provided a channel of the churches' thinking to the LCSS. The Community Development Department played an important role in the activities of the LCSS. In 1937 a committee was formed to consider methods of dealing with social problems on newly designed housing estates and to promote community associations and centres on such estates. In 1945 a full-time officer was appointed to keep in touch with the 120 community associations and advise local authorities on community development work.

Citizens' Advice Bureaux grew out of LCSS activities in London during the Second World War. After meeting the emergency need during wartime, the Citizens' Advice Bureaux Regional Advisory Committee continued its work in conjunction with the LCSS in looking to provide new Bureaux. LCSS confirmed thereafter to provide advice and support to local Bureaux and helped recruit staff.

An LCSS inquiry into facilities for overseas students in Paddington in 1954 formed the start of its concern on the issue of race relations. The Council sought to promote understanding between immigrants and the host community, and to define or alleviate problems of individual groups. The Immigrants Advisory Committee (IAC) was set up in 1959 to be a source of information and advice on immigrant problems. This body later became known as the Committee for Inter Racial Co-operation consisting of representatives of official bodies and minority ethnic groups. It aimed to promote racial harmony and eliminate discriminatory practices. In 1968 the LCSS took over responsibility for the Commonwealth Students' Children Society.

The Family Services Department was started in the early 1950's after the CAB's had reported a rise in the number of requests for help in the matter of domestic economy. Homemaking Advice Groups, now run by local authorities, were set up under the guidance of a team of specialists from the Institute of Housecraft and the Ministry of Education. The department also wished to provide more play facilities for the under fives, encourage domestic safety and locate accommodation for homeless families.

Other activities supported by the LCSS were the Greater London Standing Council of Voluntary Youth Organisations (GLSCVYO), which provided a forum for the discussion of common problems, and the Volunteers Advisory Service, which supports volunteer bureaux in London boroughs and aims to establish standards of practice in placement and training of volunteers. Much of the LCSS activity in the above departments was pioneering. It was held in high regard by local government, government and overseas groups. In addition it helped found schemes of national importance: for example, the Charity Christmas Card Council was formed after the LCSS information officer organised the first display of Christmas cards for good causes in 1958. In response to the expansion of London into Greater London it took on a forward-looking, strategic role through organisations such as the Greater London Arts Association, the Association of London Housing Estates and the Greater London Conference on Old People's Welfare. Many of its schemes were later copied by other CSS's throughout the country.

Along with LCSS material is a considerable quantity of material from the National Council of Social Services (NCSS). The NCSS was founded in 1919 by Thomas Hancock Nunn, organising vice-chairman of the original Social Welfare Association for London. It had close links with the LCSS, their offices being situated near to each other for most of their lives. Some staff worked in both offices: files were often passed from organisation to organisation.

The London Council for the Promotion of Public Morality, later the Public Morality Council, was formed in 1899 to combat vice and indecency in London and to assist in their repression by legal means, already existing but neglected. Its members included representatives of the Church of England, Roman Catholic and Non-Conformist churches and of the Jewish faith, leaders in education and medicine and charitable associations and others supporting reform. It continued until 1969, concentrating latterly on opposition to sexual immorality and pornography in general and in the theatre, cinema, radio and television. Its functions were taken over by the Social Morality Council, constituted in 1969.

The London Corn Trade Association was established in 1878 by members of the corn trade in order to protect their interests. Specifically, they aimed to ensure the adoption of uniform forms of contract, to be drawn up by the association, and the settlement of disputes between buyers and sellers by arbitration rather than by legislation. LCTA forms of contract required the referral of disputes to arbitration in London, each party appointing an arbitrator, who could himself appoint an umpire if a settlement could not be reached. The association was empowered to appoint an arbitrator if one of the parties failed to do so. It also laid down quality standards for use in arbitrations, and heard appeals. Initially, meetings of the association were held in the offices of one of the members, Edward Power, at 118 Bishopsgate Within, whilst additional office space at 22 Leadenhall Street was acquired in the 1880s. In 1886, the year of incorporation of the association, it moved to 2 Lime Street Square where it remained until its move to the Baltic Exchange Chambers, St Mary Axe in 1903. In 1969, talks were commenced with the Cattle Food Trade Association (formerly known as the London Cattle Food Trade Association) regarding a merger between the two associations. The new joint association, the Grain and Feed Trade Association, was formed in 1971 and the London Corn Trade Association was finally wound up on 15 May 1972.

The London Grain Futures Association was established in 1929 by the London Corn Trade Association to oversee the setting up and regulation of the London Grain Futures Market on the floor of the Baltic Exchange. Official quotations were declared daily by the LCTA clearing house, which had been established in 1921 to register contracts. The grain futures market principally dealt in Manitoba and Argentine wheat until 1933, when a second grain futures market was created in maize. Both markets were closed from 1939 to 1953 as a result of the Second World War and its aftermath. When reopened, in 1954, they dealt exclusively in barley and maize. In 1970, the London Grain Futures Association was wound up and its functions assumed by the London Corn Trade Association.

The London Corn Exchange Importers Association was formed in 1932 by members of the corn trade to protect their interests with regard to tariffs and other matters affecting the import of grain and the London Corn Exchange. It was wound up voluntarily in 1950.

The London Copra Association was founded c 1913 to represent the interests of those trading in copra (dried kernels of coconut used to extract oils) by the establishment of uniform contracts, the implementation of a system of arbitration and the promotion of legislation and other measures on behalf of the trade. Initially it held its meetings principally at the offices of the London Cotton Brokers' Association, 24 Mark Lane, and the London Commercial Sale Rooms, Mincing Lane. It subsequently acquired premises at 165 Fenchurch Street (until 1925), 79 Leadenhall Street (1922-5), 7 Mincing Lane (1926-34), 84 Leadenhall Street (1935-58), 5/7 Houndsditch (1959-67) and 24 St. Mary Axe (from 1968).

The London Co-operative Society was formed in September 1920 by the amalgamation of the Stratford Co-operative Society and the Edmonton Co-operative Society, two of the largest societies in the London Metropolitan area. In 1921, the LCS was also joined by the West London Society, the Kingston Society and the Co-operative Brotherhood Trust. In addition, the LCS also took over 2 branches of the Staines Co-operative Party. The consolidation of co-operative societies in the Greater London area continued until 1938, with the absorption of Hendon Co-operative Society in 1925, the North West London Co-operative Society in 1928, the Epping Co-operative Society in 1929, the Yiewsley Co-operative Society in 1931, the Willesden Junction Railway Society in 1935 and the Radlett Co-operative Society in 1938. Hence, the LCS was able to extend its area of the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey.
The LCS played a large part in the national co-operative movement and was a member of the national and regional organisations, chief of which being the Co-operative Union to which the LCS subscribed. The LCS was also a shareholding member of the English Co-operative Wholesale Society, generally known as the CWS, a federal wholesaling organisation for co-operative societies in England and Wales. By 1952, the LCS and its associated co-operative organisations, the major being the London Co-operative Chemists Limited, had over 550 establishments of sales and services, varying from large department stores to small grocery shops. These establishments consisted of grocers, butchers, fruit, vegetable and flower sellers, coal depots, furniture sellers, drapers, tailors, footwear sellers, chemists, laundries, estate agencies, funeral services and even guesthouses. The LCS also administered many manufacturing and processing establishments. The Society was amalgamated with the Co-operative Retail Society in 1981.
Politically, the LCS has also had a major impact. In the interwar years, the LCS Political Committee played an important role in winning Londoners over to the Labour Party, mobilising people behind co-operative ideals, and shaping policy at a national level. At the 1945 election, all 11 LCS sponsored candidates were elected, including Don Chater in Bethnal Green North East, Percy Holman in Bethnal Green South West and C.S.Ganley in Battersea South. Alf Barnes, also elected for East Ham South, even became a Cabinet Minister in the Attlee administration after 1945. In the post-war world, it has continued as an important campaigning force, providing key organisational backing for mass movements like CND, supporting the fight against the Vietnam War and campaigns during the miner's strikes, and generally at the forefront of the campaign for peace, co-operation and socialism. A political presence was also maintained in the House of Commons through the work of MPs, such as Stan Newens, Alf Lomas and Laurie Pavitt.

The London Co-operative Society was formed in 1921, on the merger of the Stratford, Edmonton and Brentwood Societies. It subsequently grew to incorporate the local co-operative societies of much of London, Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Surrey. It amalgamated with the Co-operative Retail Society in 1980 to form London Regional Co-operative Retail Services Limited, based in Stratford.

The archives date from the inauguration of the Committee in 1881 at a conference for those engaged in the teaching of anatomy in London. At this time teachers of anatomy were experiencing severe problems in obtaining subjects for dissection for classes in Practical Anatomy and Operative Surgery, with medical schools competing with one another for this limited supply of bodies. The Anatomical Teachers' Board was set up to represent the various London medical schools, to improve distribution of unclaimed bodies and to improve also their transfer for subsequent burial. A committee was appointed to investigate the workings of the Anatomy Act 1871 and what measures should be taken to improve the supply of subjects. The Board's duties included visiting existing sources of supply (workhouses, infirmaries, etc.) and taking every opportunity to increase the supply, receiving payments from teachers and examining boards for every subject sent to them by the Inspector of Anatomy, maintaining accounts with the undertakers who removed anatomical subjects for burial, and keeping a register of all subjects sent to schools and examining boards open to inspection by the Inspector of Anatomy. The Committee continues to deal with the supplying of cadavers for teaching and examination purposes to London medical schools, under the University of London, responsible to HM Inspector of Anatomy at the Department of Health. However, since unclaimed bodies are in ever-dwindling supply at the end of the twentieth century, most bodies are now those of individuals who have bequeathed them for this purpose.

In May 1822 'a numerous meeting of merchants, bankers and others' in London formed itself into a committee, known by many names, but most often described as the London Committee for the Relief of the Distressed Irish. Their aim was to raise a general subscription to relieve famine in Ireland caused by crop failure. Money was raised from individuals and organisations in London and the UK, and as far afield as India. The intention was to provide small loans to the poor, administered by local agents. After some initial success, the committee became mired in allegations of misuse of funds, and officially closed its books in April 1824. During its existence, the Committee met at the City of London Tavern.

These records relate to a number of chess clubs understood to be affiliated or related to the London Commercial Chess League in the late 1930s.

The papers include a printing correspondence course of Walter Rankin (1892-1965). He was apprenticed as a printer to C Joscelyne, Printers, of Braintree, Essex, in 1907. In 1913 he moved to J G Hammond and Co, of Birmingham, and after taking his printing correspondence course, sat the examinations of the City and Guilds London Institute in 1915 and 1916. He worked at Manifoldia of Birmingham, 1916-1924; Century Press, Fulham Rd, London, 1924-1927; Manager of South Western Press, Fulham Rd, London, 1927-1928. He was appointed Manager of Alfred Couldrey and Chas Pearson, Aldgate, London, in 1928, and worked later for McGlashen Greogry, Stanhope Press of Rochester, Vacher and Sons of Westminster, Baird and Tatlock, and McCann Erickson.

The London College of Fashion has its origins in the first women's trade schools: Shoreditch Technical Institute Girls Trade School (founded 1906), Barrett Street Trade School (founded 1915), and Clapham Trade School (founded 1927). The schools were set up by London County Council Technical Education board to train pupils for industries that required skilled craft labour. The schools ran a variety of courses that included dressmaking, ladies tailoring and embroidery. Barrett Street Trade School ran a hairdressing and beauty course and Clapham ran a millinery course. Men's tailoring and furrier courses were established later. Almost all pupils obtained employment on completion of their courses. Women were employed in the ready-to-wear trade centred on London's East End, or in the fashionable dressmaking and allied trades in the West End, based around the South Kensington and Oxford Street areas. Women working in this area were highly skilled, and the early needle-trade schools in London trained women for this high quality couture work.

After the Second World War and the 1944 Education Act, which required pupils to continue full time general education until 15, Shoreditch and Barrett Street schools were given technical college status. The junior courses were discontinued and senior courses expanded. Management courses were introduced. Barrett Street Trade School was renamed Barrett Street Technical College, and after 1950, began to take on male students. Shoreditch Girls Trade School merged with Clapham Trade School and became Shoreditch College for the Garment Trades, also including men on their courses. The colleges were amalgamated in 1967 to form the London College for the Garment Trades.

The new college was organised into four departments; Design, Clothing, Hairdressing and Beauty Culture and General Studies. In 1968 courses in beauty therapy, fashion writing and modelling were added to the curriculum. By 1970 the college catered for over 3,000 day and evening students from the age of 16 onwards taking examinations for college certificates, City and Guilds and the Institute of Trichologists. In 1974 the Governors supported the recommendation by the Academic Board that the name of the college should be changed to the London College of Fashion. In January 1986 the college bacame a constituent college of the London Institute, merging with Cordwainers College in August 2000.

PROFITS, or Professional Fashion Industries Technology Service, was organised by London College of Fashion and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry as an Enterprise Initiative aimed at the clothing industry. The information packs sold to businesses were the result of 9 months research into the clothing industry in London.

London College of Communication, London College of Printing until a name change in 2004, is the largest College of University of the Arts London [formerly London Institute, founded 1985, name change 2004] with around 9000 students. It has formed over a number of years, from its inception in 1893 until the present day, through developments of curriculum, name changes and mergers: St Bride Foundation Printing School [founded 1883], became London School of Printing and Kindred Trades in 1922; Bolt Court Technical School, formerly the Guild and Technical School, Clerkenwell [founded 1894, name change 1895, merged 1949]; College for Distributive Trades [merged 1990]; Westminster Day Continuation School [founded 1921, renamed the School of Retail Distribution 1929]; and the Printing Department of the North Western Polytechnic [founded 1883, opened 1929, merged 1969].

In 1949 Bolt Court and the College of Printing and Kindred Trades merged to form the London School of Printing and Graphic Arts, renamed London College of Printing in 1962 when it took up its current site at Elephant and Castle, South London. The building was officially opened in 1964 by Sir Isaac Hayward. On the merger with College for Distributive Trades the College changed its name again to reflect the new disciplines offered to the London College of Printing and Distributive Trades, then in 1996 to London College of Printing.
Both St Brides and North Western were established by the City of London Parochial Charities Act and thus have always been rooted in London and its communities. When St Brides opened the doors, in 1894, of its first evening courses 124 students attended. Until 1912 there was no full time principal, then Mr J. R. Riddell was appointed. His appointment lead teaching from textbook based lessons to practical lessons. The first full time courses soon followed, 1919. Thus, from the first the College has specialised in and developed course in all aspects of printing and communication, from photography to graphic design.

Today the College is made up of four Schools: School of Graphic Design; The School of Creative Enterprise; School of Media; School of Printing and Publishing.

The London Coffee and Eating House Keepers' Benevolent Association is mentioned in a document dated 1837. It met at the Piccadilly Tavern, Lincoln's Inn Fields.