A medieval fraternity of glovers existed, governed by ordinances of 1349. In 1498, the glovers united with the guild of pursers and, in the early 16th century, this joint body merged with the Leathersellers' Company. The Glovers' Company emerged again as a separate entity under the charter of 1638, following a resurgence in trade as gloves became more elaborate and fashionable.
A fellowship of those who practised the art of drawing wire and thread from precious metals existed in the 15th century. However, the Company's charter of 1623 was withdrawn and they were not incorporated until 1693. They enjoyed a close relationship with the Broderers' Company, supplying their members with cord and braid to be embroidered on clothing. For short periods in the 17th and 18th centuries, they lodged in other Companies' halls, but the expense became too great and they reverted to meeting in coffee houses.
The Grocers' Company was established in 1345 as the Fraternity of St Antonin, although the Pepperers' Guild, a forereunner of the Company, existed from at least the late 12th century. The Company received charters in 1428, 1447, 1607, 1640, 1675, 1688 (two), 1690, 1712 and 1723. The Company has had five halls on a site in Princes Street in the City of London, dated 1428, 1682, 1802, 1890 and 1966.
The Company is one of the "Great Twelve" City companies, ranking second.
Witney Free Grammar School: Henry Box, citizen and grocer, built a school in Witney, Oxfordshire in 1660, but died in 1662 before he had endowed it. His widow, Mary Box, completed this work, and transferred the governance of the school to the Grocers' Company in 1670, in accordance with his will. The school was endowed with estates in Longworth, Berkshire. It was established to provide classical education to thirty boys, giving priority to those of Witney or founder's kin. The Company acted as governors until 1902, but still maintains an active association. The school is now known as the Henry Box School.
Hackney Downs Grammar School: Hackney Downs Boys' School, also known as the Grocers' School, was established by the Grocers' Company in 1873, and declared open in 1876. It was always a boys school. In 1968 it became a comprehensive school. It was closed by the Government in 1995.
Makers of guns were members of a number of livery companies (such as the Blacksmiths' Company), until the Gunmakers' Company was established by charter in 1637/8. Its jurisdiction covered London and a ten mile radius, and all persons making, using or selling small arms in that area were obliged to submit them to the Company for examination and marking. This process was known as "trial and proof" and was carried out at the Proof House established by the Company in Whitechapel. A Hall adjoining the Proof House was built in 1872 and sold in 1927.
The Worshipful Company of Innholders was formed in the 15th century from the original mistery of hostelers and haymongers. Its charter was granted in 1514. The freehold of the hall in College Street was acquired in 1613 and has been rebuilt three times since.
The company received its charter of incorporation in 1463, but had been in existence from the 13th century. Very little is known about the organisation before 1463, as few records survive. The original hall, in Fenchurch Street, was bought in 1457, the company being situated there until the hall was destroyed by a bomb in 1917 (the only livery company to lose its hall during the First World War). In 1919 the decision was made to rebuild the hall on a new site and the old site was sold. The new hall, built in 1923, is situated in Shaftesbury Place, off Aldersgate Street.
Geffery's almshouses were founded by the bequest of Sir Robert Geffery. A site for the almshouses was purchased in 1712. In 1910 they were sold to London County Council and converted into a museum. A site was purchased at Mottingham Park, Eltham, and the new almshouses were completed in 1914. In 1974 these buildings were acquired by the Greater London Council and new almshouses were built at Hook in Hampshire.
By his will dated 1555, Thomas Lewin bequeathed four almshouses in St Nicholas churchyard to the Ironmongers' Company. After they burnt down in the Fire of London, the Company converted four old houses in the parish of St Luke Old Street into houses for four poor freemen. These houses burnt down in 1785 and were replaced by four new almshouses.
The Worshipful Company of Longbowstringmakers were recognised as a separate Guild in 1416. They were a Guild of Freemen, without Livery, and faded away in the 19th century.
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards was incorporated in 1628 to protect manufacturers of playing cards against the importing of cards from abroad and against inferior products in Britain. The Company was given power of search anywhere in England and Wales.
In the mediaeval period, the Painters applied colour to solid objects such as wood, stone and metal; the Stainers applied colour to woven fabrics. The painting of flags, streamers, banners and leather (and much later, wall paper) was the province of the Stainers; the Painters decorated interiors of buildings, particularly churches and painted saddle.
The earliest reference to the Stainers is of their involvement in a riot in Cheapside in 1268; the Painters were involved in a violent affray in the City in 1327. The first of the company's own records (other than deeds) is an inspeximus in 1466 by the mayor and aldermen of the Painters' new ordinances, which is kept at the hall (the Library has a photographic copy).
The Painters and Stainers united in 1502; the company is now 28th in precedence. The joint company was incorporated by charter in 1581, but unusually is now governed by the new charter of James II in 1685 which conferred powers of controlling the trade in the City, Westminster and six miles around.
Several prominent artists have been members including Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Godfrey Kneller and Sir Peter Lely.
The hall is on the west side of Little Trinity Lane and was left to the company in 1532 by Sir John Browne, serjeant-painter to Henry VIII. This building was destroyed in the Great Fire and rebuilt in 1670. With some alterations, additions and repair this hall survived until 1941. The post-war premises, re-opened in 1961, were extended to cover land on Huggin Hill.
A guild of pinmakers or pinners is first mentioned in 1376. From the late 15th century, they became associated with the guild of wire-workers, and later, in 1567/8, with the Girdlers' Company. However, in 1605, the Pinmakers' Company received their own charter of incorporation. In 1598, the Company left the Hall in Addle Street, which they had rented from the Plaisterers' Company. They removed to a site in St Mary at Hill, and eventually St Katherine Cree, which they abandoned in 1723.
A guild of plasterers was first incorporated by charter in 1501. Plasterers were craftsmen who plastered the exterior of buildings with a material comprised of lime, gypsum, hay and straw, often creating elaborate and ornamental patterns, known as pargetting.
In 1545 a member of the Company, William Elder, left a house in Addle Street to be used as a Hall. The current Hall, built in 1972, is in London Wall.
The Company has been in existence from at least 1365, receiving charters in 1611 and 1678. The Company also received a grant of arms in 1588.
The Company had a hall in Chequer Yard, Bush Lane from 1639. The hall was destroyed in the Great Fire and rebuilt on the same site. The hall was subsequently demolished in 1863 to make way for Cannon Street railway station.
The Skinners received their first charter in 1327/8 as a result of the more general use of furs and the consequent growth of abuses in connection with the trade. Further charters were granted in 1393, 1437 and 1667. It is thought that the Company was formed from the consolidation of the two Fraternities of Corpus Christi and the Virgin some time between the granting of the first and second charters, the latter being the first to comprehend the whole craft. Ordinances for the regulation of the trade were drawn up immediately prior to the granting of the first charter and again in 1365/6 and 1676. The Company controlled the English fur trade until the eighteenth century. Skinners' Hall, at 8 Dowgate Hill, existed before 1295. It was burnt down in the Great Fire, rebuilt in 1670 and refaced in 1790
The Skinners' Irish estate in Londonderry was known as the Pellipar estate, after the Latin for skinners, pelliparii. It was divided into three divisions: the Dungiven, Ballinascreen and Banagher Divisions.
The following charities are associated with the Company:
Tonbridge School: Sir Andrew Judd, citizen and skinner, and former Lord Mayor of London, founded a school in Tonbridge, Kent in 1553. On his death in 1558, and in accordance with his will, the court of the Skinners' Company became governors, a role representatives of the court still perform. Judd endowed the school with land in Gracechurch Street in the City of London, and in St Pancras. It was a small and local institution until the 19th century when it expanded to become one of the leading public schools of England. The school was largely rebuilt from the 1860s-80s. It currently has some 750 pupils. For further information see A Holmes-Walker, Sixes and Sevens: A Short History of the Skinners' Company, London 2005, pp.50-60.
Skinners Company almshouses: By his will dated 1558, Sir Andrew Judd bequeathed to the Skinners' Company an almshouse in the parish of St Helen's for six poor freemen of the Company. Lewis Newberry (in his will dated 1683) provided for the purchase of land for almshouses at Mile End for six widows of freemen of the Company
Middle School for Boys, Tunbridge Wells: The school was opened by the Skinners' Company in 1887 from surplus profits from the Hunt and Atwell charities, as an addition to its school in Tonbridge, Kent. It was a day school until 1894, from which date boarders were admitted. By 1901 it had 145 pupils. In 1944 it became a voluntary aided school, and in 1992 grant maintained. It currently has about 750 pupils. The Skinners' Company maintains its role on the board of governors.
Sir Andrew Judd's Commercial School: The school was established by the Skinners' Company at Tonbridge, Kent in 1888, out of an endowment from Sir Andrew Judd's Foundation [q.v.]. It moved to its present site in Tonbridge in 1896. It soon after became known as the Judd School. In 1944 it became the first voluntary aided grammar school. It currently has about 850 pupils, including girls in the 6th form.
Middle School for Girls, Stamford Hill: The Skinners' Company founded a middle school for girls in Stamford Hill, North London in 1890 from surplus money from the Hunt and Atwell Charities. Its premises were expanded in 1892. In 1902 there were over 350 pupils. In 1944 it became a voluntary aided school, and in 1972 the first voluntary aided comprehensive. The Skinners' Company has maintained a close association. In 2004 it became a Business and Enterprise College.
A silk-thrower or silk-throwster was someone who converted raw silk into silk thread. The Company was formed in 1629 but is now defunct.
There is a reference to an organisation of candle makers in 1300, but the Tallow Chandlers' Company's charters date from 1462, with the grant of arms in 1456. In 1476 the Company purchased the site of its hall, near Cannon Street Station. The original hall was destroyed in the Great Fire, and the present Tallow Chandlers' Hall was built in 1672.
This Company is also known as the Wire Workers' Company, and there is evidence that these two separate crafts were joined by 1425. Although the Company did not receive a charter until 1670, the two crafts had previously sought protection from the Girdlers' and Ironmongers' Companies.
An existing fraternity of tylers and bricklayers was incorporated by charter in 1568 and regulated by ordinances issued in 1570-1. Tilers laid roof, floor and wall tiles, which later became known as bricks.
In 1832 the Company decided to raise a subscription to pay for the building of almshouses. A plot of land was bought on King Henry's Walk, Balls Pond Road, Islington and eight dwellings were constructed. The almshouses (for liverymen of the Company or their widows) were opened in 1836.
There are references to a "Mystery" of Upholders [upholsterers] from at least 1361, but the earliest surviving records of the Company date from the 17th century. The Company Hall was based at Lambeth Hill but was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and not rebuilt.
A woodmonger was a dealer in wood; and especially a seller of wood for fuel.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
One of the twenty-six wards of the City of London, bounded on the north and west by Farringdon Ward Within, on the east by Queenhithe and Bread Street wards, and on the south by the River Thames. The ward contained four City parishes churches: St Andrew by the Wardrobe, St Benet Paul's Wharf, St Mary Magdalen Old Fish Street and St Gregory by St Paul.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
One of the twenty-six wards of the City of London, lying north and south of Cornhill, one of the principal streets of the City. The ward contained two City parish churches: St Peter Cornhill and St Michael Cornhill.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
One of the twenty-six wards of the City of London, lying at the north of the City and being within and without the City wall; see also records specifically of Cripplegate Within Ward (CLC/W/HH) and Cripplegate Without Ward (CLC/W/HI). The ward contained seven City parish churches: St Mary Aldermanbury, St Alban Wood Street, St Olave Silver Street, St Alphage London Wall, St Michael Wood Street, St Giles Cripplegate and St Mary Magdalen Milk Street.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
One of the twenty-six wards of the City of London, bounded on the north by Farringdon Without and Aldersgate Without wards, on the east by Aldersgate Ward Within, Cripplegate Ward and Bread Street Ward, south by Castle Baynard Ward and the Thames, and west by Farringdon Ward Without. The ward contained six City parish churches: St Ewin, St Nicholas Shambles, St Ann Blackfriars, St Martin Ludgate, St Augustine Watling Street and St Matthew Friday Street.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
Tower Ward is situated with Aldgate Ward at the eastern most side of the City. The ward contained three City parish churches: All Hallows Barking, St Olave Hart Street and St Dunstan in the East.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
Vintry Ward lies to the west of the Walbrook on the bank of the River Thames; extending north to Cordwainer Ward and bounded on the east by Dowgate Ward and on the west by Queenhithe Ward. The ward contained four City parish churches: St Martin Vintry, St James Garlickhithe, St Michael Paternoster Royal and St Thomas the Apostle.
The City of London was divided into wards for the purpose of government as early as Norman times. The wards had responsibility to keep the peace, supervise trade and oversee sanitation, and each ward has the right to elect an Alderman and Commoners to sit in the Court of Common Council.
Walbrook Ward lies between Cheap, Broad Street and Cornhill wards to the north, Langbourn and Candlewick wards to the east, Dowgate Ward to the south and Cordwainer and Vintry wards to the west. The ward contained four City parish churches: St Stephen Walbrook, St John the Baptist Walbrook, St Swithin London Stone and St Mary Bothaw.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
Middlesex: From the 18th century the ancient county of Middlesex was divided into two main Coroner's districts - the Western and the Eastern. There were in addition two liberties having their own Coroner: the City and Liberty of Westminster, and the Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster.
In 1862 a new district was formed, the Central District, by taking 23 parishes and liberties from the Western District. The Western District was further reduced in size in 1892, losing four parishes to the new County of London, and again in 1915 when six parishes were transferred to the Central District.
This Central District formed in 1862 was greatly reduced in size in 1892 by the transfer of most of its area to the new County of London. The situation was partly reversed in 1915 when it received six parishes from the Western District of Middlesex. The Central District vanished entirely in 1926 when it was amalgamated with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
The Eastern District of Middlesex remained intact until 1888 when it was divided into two separate districts - the South Eastern and the North Eastern Districts. Very shortly afterwards, in 1892, both districts were transferred to the new County of London, apart from the parishes of Wood Green and Tottenham. These were then formed into a new Eastern District of Middlesex which absorbed the Central District in 1926.
The City and Liberty of Westminster was a franchise Coroner's District and remained separate with its own Coroner until 1930, when it was merged with the Central District of the County of London.
The Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster was likewise a franchise Coroner's District with two parts in Middlesex: the Liberty of the Savoy, and Edmonton with Enfield. In 1889 the Liberty of the Savoy was transferred to the County of London where it joined the Duchy of Lancaster (Clapham) remaining as a franchise district until 1930 when Clapham was merged with the Southern District of the County of London, and the Savoy with Westminster in the Central District. The Edmonton and Enfield part of the Duchy of Lancaster in Middlesex remained separate until 1932 when it was merged with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The Greater London Inner West Coroner's Court District was situated at Westminster Coroner's Court, 65 Horseferry Road, SW1. The jurisdiction of the court covered the City of Westminster and the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Merton and Wandsworth.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of London North Eastern District Coroner's Court was based at Calvert Avenue, Virginia Road, Bethnal Green, E2.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
London: The County of London was formed in 1889. At first there was no change to the existing Middlesex Coroners Districts now included, in part, within the new County. However, in 1892 the County was finally divided into districts which took in the former Middlesex parishes plus some from the former counties of Surrey and Kent. The new districts were: Eastern; Western; South Western; North Eastern; Central; Southern; Penge; South Eastern; and four franchise districts: Westminster; Duchy of Lancaster (Savoy/Clapham); Tower Liberty and Borough of Southwark.
In 1894 there were minor boundary changes to the Eastern, North Eastern and Central Districts. In 1900 Penge was transferred to Kent. 1912 saw further boundary changes between districts.
In 1930 the districts were reduced to six: Western; Eastern; Southern; Central; Northern; South Eastern; plus Southwark and Tower Liberty. In 1940 this was reduced to five, absorbing the franchise districts: Western; Northern; Eastern; South Western and South Eastern. In 1943 four districts were formed: Western, Southern; Eastern; Northern. These were reduced in 1956 to Western, Northern, Southern.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of London South Eastern District Coroner's Office was based at 77 Watson Street, New Cross Road, SE8.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
London: The County of London was formed in 1889. At first there was no change to the existing Middlesex Coroners Districts now included, in part, within the new County. However, in 1892 the County was finally divided into districts which took in the former Middlesex parishes plus some from the former counties of Surrey and Kent. The new districts were: Eastern; Western; South Western; North Eastern; Central; Southern; Penge; South Eastern; and four franchise districts: Westminster; Duchy of Lancaster (Savoy/Clapham); Tower Liberty and Borough of Southwark.
In 1894 there were minor boundary changes to the Eastern, North Eastern and Central Districts. In 1900 Penge was transferred to Kent. 1912 saw further boundary changes between districts.
In 1930 the districts were reduced to six: Western; Eastern; Southern; Central; Northern; South Eastern; plus Southwark and Tower Liberty. In 1940 this was reduced to five, absorbing the franchise districts: Western; Northern; Eastern; South Western and South Eastern. In 1943 four districts were formed: Western, Southern; Eastern; Northern. These were reduced in 1956 to Western, Northern, Southern.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of London South Western District Coroner's Court was based at High Street, Lambeth, SE1.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
London: The County of London was formed in 1889. At first there was no change to the existing Middlesex Coroners Districts now included, in part, within the new County. However, in 1892 the County was finally divided into districts which took in the former Middlesex parishes plus some from the former counties of Surrey and Kent. The new districts were: Eastern; Western; South Western; North Eastern; Central; Southern; Penge; South Eastern; and four franchise districts: Westminster; Duchy of Lancaster (Savoy/Clapham); Tower Liberty and Borough of Southwark.
In 1894 there were minor boundary changes to the Eastern, North Eastern and Central Districts. In 1900 Penge was transferred to Kent. 1912 saw further boundary changes between districts.
In 1930 the districts were reduced to six: Western; Eastern; Southern; Central; Northern; South Eastern; plus Southwark and Tower Liberty. In 1940 this was reduced to five, absorbing the franchise districts: Western; Northern; Eastern; South Western and South Eastern. In 1943 four districts were formed: Western, Southern; Eastern; Northern. These were reduced in 1956 to Western, Northern, Southern.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of London Western District Coroner's Office was based at 77 Fulham Palace Road, W6.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
London: The County of London was formed in 1889. At first there was no change to the existing Middlesex Coroners Districts now included, in part, within the new County. However, in 1892 the County was finally divided into districts which took in the former Middlesex parishes plus some from the former counties of Surrey and Kent. The new districts were: Eastern; Western; South Western; North Eastern; Central; Southern; Penge; South Eastern; and four franchise districts: Westminster; Duchy of Lancaster (Savoy/Clapham); Tower Liberty and Borough of Southwark.
In 1894 there were minor boundary changes to the Eastern, North Eastern and Central Districts. In 1900 Penge was transferred to Kent. 1912 saw further boundary changes between districts.
In 1930 the districts were reduced to six: Western; Eastern; Southern; Central; Northern; South Eastern; plus Southwark and Tower Liberty. In 1940 this was reduced to five, absorbing the franchise districts: Western; Northern; Eastern; South Western and South Eastern. In 1943 four districts were formed: Western, Southern; Eastern; Northern. These were reduced in 1956 to Western, Northern, Southern.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of Middlesex Eastern Coroner's District was based at 14 Airedale Road, South Ealing, W5.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
Middlesex: From the 18th century the ancient county of Middlesex was divided into two main Coroner's districts - the Western and the Eastern. There were in addition two liberties having their own Coroner: the City and Liberty of Westminster, and the Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster.
In 1862 a new district was formed, the Central District, by taking 23 parishes and liberties from the Western District. The Western District was further reduced in size in 1892, losing four parishes to the new County of London, and again in 1915 when six parishes were transferred to the Central District.
This Central District formed in 1862 was greatly reduced in size in 1892 by the transfer of most of its area to the new County of London. The situation was partly reversed in 1915 when it received six parishes from the Western District of Middlesex. The Central District vanished entirely in 1926 when it was amalgamated with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
The Eastern District of Middlesex remained intact until 1888 when it was divided into two separate districts - the South Eastern and the North Eastern Districts. Very shortly afterwards, in 1892, both districts were transferred to the new County of London, apart from the parishes of Wood Green and Tottenham. These were then formed into a new Eastern District of Middlesex which absorbed the Central District in 1926.
The City and Liberty of Westminster was a franchise Coroner's District and remained separate with its own Coroner until 1930, when it was merged with the Central District of the County of London.
The Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster was likewise a franchise Coroner's District with two parts in Middlesex: the Liberty of the Savoy, and Edmonton with Enfield. In 1889 the Liberty of the Savoy was transferred to the County of London where it joined the Duchy of Lancaster (Clapham) remaining as a franchise district until 1930 when Clapham was merged with the Southern District of the County of London, and the Savoy with Westminster in the Central District. The Edmonton and Enfield part of the Duchy of Lancaster in Middlesex remained separate until 1932 when it was merged with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The County of Middlesex Western District Coroner's Office was based at Kilburn Coroner's Court, Salusbury Road, NW6.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
Middlesex: From the 18th century the ancient county of Middlesex was divided into two main Coroner's districts - the Western and the Eastern. There were in addition two liberties having their own Coroner: the City and Liberty of Westminster, and the Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster.
In 1862 a new district was formed, the Central District, by taking 23 parishes and liberties from the Western District. The Western District was further reduced in size in 1892, losing four parishes to the new County of London, and again in 1915 when six parishes were transferred to the Central District.
This Central District formed in 1862 was greatly reduced in size in 1892 by the transfer of most of its area to the new County of London. The situation was partly reversed in 1915 when it received six parishes from the Western District of Middlesex. The Central District vanished entirely in 1926 when it was amalgamated with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
The Eastern District of Middlesex remained intact until 1888 when it was divided into two separate districts - the South Eastern and the North Eastern Districts. Very shortly afterwards, in 1892, both districts were transferred to the new County of London, apart from the parishes of Wood Green and Tottenham. These were then formed into a new Eastern District of Middlesex which absorbed the Central District in 1926.
The City and Liberty of Westminster was a franchise Coroner's District and remained separate with its own Coroner until 1930, when it was merged with the Central District of the County of London.
The Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster was likewise a franchise Coroner's District with two parts in Middlesex: the Liberty of the Savoy, and Edmonton with Enfield. In 1889 the Liberty of the Savoy was transferred to the County of London where it joined the Duchy of Lancaster (Clapham) remaining as a franchise district until 1930 when Clapham was merged with the Southern District of the County of London, and the Savoy with Westminster in the Central District. The Edmonton and Enfield part of the Duchy of Lancaster in Middlesex remained separate until 1932 when it was merged with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The Greater London Northern Coroner's District was based at the Coroner's Court, Milton Court, Moor Lane, EC2. The jurisdiction of the court covered the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Haringey and Harrow.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The Greater London Southern District Coroner's Court was situated at 2 Trafalgar Avenue, SE15. The jurisdiction of the court covered the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon and Sutton.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The coronership is an ancient county office concerned originally with pleas of the crown within the county. By 1689 the Coroner's duties had been reduced to the holding of inquests in cases of death under circumstances of suspicion and committing to trial persons against whom verdicts of murder or manslaughter had been returned by the inquest jury. Coroners were also empowered to hold inquests over 'treasure trove' and wrecks.
Under an Act of 1752 (26 Geo II c29) coroners were paid 20/- for every inquisition held and 9d for every mile travelled to view a body. These fees were paid out of the County rates by order of the justices. Coroners returned accounts of inquests held, usually in the form of a list, giving also the mileage travelled and total sum due, which were approved for payment, in Middlesex, by an Accounts Committee. Sometimes inquisitions and witnesses' depositions were returned instead of or in addition to the account.
Coroners were elected by county freeholders (except in certain liberties) and held the office for life. By the Local Government Act 1888 the power to appoint Coroners was transferred to the new County Councils.
Counties were usually divided into districts with a Coroner assigned to each. Sometimes, however, Coroners did act in the district of another Coroner. Coroner's districts changed in size and extent over time, often due to increased population and changes in local government boundaries.
Middlesex: From the 18th century the ancient county of Middlesex was divided into two main Coroner's districts - the Western and the Eastern. There were in addition two liberties having their own Coroner: the City and Liberty of Westminster, and the Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster.
In 1862 a new district was formed, the Central District, by taking 23 parishes and liberties from the Western District. The Western District was further reduced in size in 1892, losing four parishes to the new County of London, and again in 1915 when six parishes were transferred to the Central District.
This Central District formed in 1862 was greatly reduced in size in 1892 by the transfer of most of its area to the new County of London. The situation was partly reversed in 1915 when it received six parishes from the Western District of Middlesex. The Central District vanished entirely in 1926 when it was amalgamated with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
The Eastern District of Middlesex remained intact until 1888 when it was divided into two separate districts - the South Eastern and the North Eastern Districts. Very shortly afterwards, in 1892, both districts were transferred to the new County of London, apart from the parishes of Wood Green and Tottenham. These were then formed into a new Eastern District of Middlesex which absorbed the Central District in 1926.
The City and Liberty of Westminster was a franchise Coroner's District and remained separate with its own Coroner until 1930, when it was merged with the Central District of the County of London.
The Liberty of the Duchy of Lancaster was likewise a franchise Coroner's District with two parts in Middlesex: the Liberty of the Savoy, and Edmonton with Enfield. In 1889 the Liberty of the Savoy was transferred to the County of London where it joined the Duchy of Lancaster (Clapham) remaining as a franchise district until 1930 when Clapham was merged with the Southern District of the County of London, and the Savoy with Westminster in the Central District. The Edmonton and Enfield part of the Duchy of Lancaster in Middlesex remained separate until 1932 when it was merged with the Eastern District of Middlesex.
London: The County of London was formed in 1889. At first there was no change to the existing Middlesex Coroners Districts now included, in part, within the new County. However, in 1892 the County was finally divided into districts which took in the former Middlesex parishes plus some from the former counties of Surrey and Kent. The new districts were: Eastern; Western; South Western; North Eastern; Central; Southern; Penge; South Eastern; and four franchise districts: Westminster; Duchy of Lancaster (Savoy/Clapham); Tower Liberty and Borough of Southwark.
In 1894 there were minor boundary changes to the Eastern, North Eastern and Central Districts. In 1900 Penge was transferred to Kent. 1912 saw further boundary changes between districts.
In 1930 the districts were reduced to six: Western; Eastern; Southern; Central; Northern; South Eastern; plus Southwark and Tower Liberty. In 1940 this was reduced to five, absorbing the franchise districts: Western; Northern; Eastern; South Western and South Eastern. In 1943 four districts were formed: Western, Southern; Eastern; Northern. These were reduced in 1956 to Western, Northern, Southern.
For a guide on how to use Coroners' Records and information about access to confidential records please see the hard copy guide in the Information Area or consult a member of staff.
The Hammersmith Bridge Company was established by Act of Parliament in 1824 (before the introduction of the principle of the limited company). The Bridge, designed by William Tierney Clark (or Clarke), was completed in 1827. A second Act, amending some sections of the first, was obtained in 1828 Land was compulsorily acquired in accordance with the provisions of the Acts for making the approach roads, which included Hammersmith Bridge Road and what is now Castelnau in Barnes. A special clause in the first Act meant that whole of the Barn Elms Estate had to be purchased. Most of the surplus land in Barnes and Hammersmith was subsequently sold; but some properties were retained and let to tenants.
The Company's income came largely from tolls on users of the Bridge and the roads in Barnes. Tolls were not charged on users of Hammersmith Bridge Road. A floating steamboat pier was later built to increase profits, attached to the downstream side of the Surrey suspension pier. In 1880 the Bridge and pier were purchased by the Metropolitan Board of Works, under the terms of the Metropolis Toll Bridges Act. The Company's roads were transferred to the local authorities, its properties were sold , and it was wound up. The Bridge was at once freed from tolls and was replaced by the present bridge a few years later.
Fulham Bridge was built in 1729 under the terms of Acts of 1726 and 1727. It was administered by its proprietors until 1880 when it was acquired by the Metropolitan Board of Works and freed from tolls. Records of the bridge company, however, continued until 1882.
Fulham Bridge was built in 1729 under the terms of Acts of 1726 and 1727. It was administered by its proprietors until 1880 when it was acquired by the Metropolitan Board of Works and freed from tolls. Records of the bridge company, however, continued until 1882.
The Hammersmith Circuit was constituted in 1969 by the union of Askew Road Church and Old Oak Church, both of which had formerly belonged to the Bayswater Circuit, Munster Park Church from the Wandsworth and Fulham Circuit, and Rivercourt Church and Shepherds Bush Road Church, which had previously formed the Rivercourt and Shepherds Bush Road Circuit.
Services commenced at the Baptist Mission Hall, Pownall Road on 5 November 1885. A temporary iron building was erected in Dawes Road in February 1887 and used until the opening of the permanent building in 1889. Alterations were carried out in July 1977 and the Church was rededicated on 29 October 1977. Further alterations were carried out in 1989.
Services commenced at Baptist Mission Hall, Pownall Road on 5 November 1885. A temporary iron building was erected in Dawes Road in February 1887 and used until the opening of the permanent building in 1889. Alterations were carried out in July 1977 and the Church was rededicated on 29 October 1977. Further alterations were carried out in 1989.
Oaklands Congregational Church was originally known as Oaklands United Congregational Church and was based at Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush. The church was initially a Union Church of Baptists and Congregationalists, including some from Becklow Road Mission. A meeting was held in July 1856 at Oaklands at which it was decided to erect a United Church. The church was formed on 1 January 1858. In 1868 the Baptist members left to establish a new church in Avenue Road. Ten years later in 1878 another group left the original church and began to hold services at Coningham Road School where they were known as Coningham Road Free Church. They opened an iron chapel in Askew Road in September 1885 and renamed themselves Starch Green Congregational Church.
Oaklands United Congregational Church closed and was sold on 30 April 1890 to Starch Green Congregational Church. The Starch Green congregation made alterations to the building and reopened it on 21 September 1890 as Oaklands Congregational Church. The iron chapel in Askew Road remained a mission hall.
The church was renovated during 1903 and again in 1920. The church closed in March 1972 and merged with Askew Road Methodist Church to form Askew Road Church (Methodist/United Reformed). The Uxbridge Road building became derelict and was demolished in March and April 1980.
Askew Road Methodist Church Askew Road was formerly known as Bassein Park Wesleyan Chapel then Sir William McArthur Memorial Chapel Hammersmith. Bassein Park Wesleyan Chapel was opened in September 1866. It was rebuilt on the same site in 1890 when it was named the Sir William McArthur Memorial Chapel as a tribute to the one-time Lord Mayor of London Member of Parliament and Connexional Treasurer. However the chapel was still known locally as the Bassein Park Wesleyan Chapel and in 1897 it was renamed the Askew Road Methodist Church. Most of the building was destroyed by bombs in October 1940. A new church hall designed by Sir Guy Dawber, Wilson and Fox was opened on 18 September 1954; the final stage of the building was opened in June 1968. The church became the Askew Road Church (Methodist/United Reformed) in 1972 when it united with Oaklands Congregational Church.
The diocese of London was first established in the Roman period, the first known bishop being Bishop Resitiutus who attended a Council in Arles in 314. London reverted to paganism following the Saxon invasions and the diocese was reconstituted in 604 with the first Saint Paul's as its Cathedral. The medieval diocese continued its jurisdiction over the area established in the 7th century: namely the City of London and the ancient counties of Essex and Middlesex and the greater part of Hertfordshire. The diocese lay entirely north of the Thames River.
The area served by the diocese remained unchanged until the 19th century, apart from a short period between 1540, when the diocese of Westminster, founded by Henry VIII, was taken out of the diocese of London (covering Westminster, the county of Middlesex with the exception of Fulham), and 1550 (when the appointed Bishop Thirlby resigned and the bishopric reverted back to London).
The administration of the diocese was originally split into the Archdeaconry of London and Archdeaconry of Middlesex. In 1708 there were 5 churches and chapels subject to the archdeacon of London, 52 subject to the archdeacon of Middlesex, 14 subject to the bishop directly and 4 subject to the Archbishop of Canterbury and outside the jurisdiction of the diocese of London.
The Bishop's highest court was the Consistory Court. The Consistory Court's jurisdiction was diocese-wide. It heard primarily civil suits, but it also dealt with criminal and testamentary matters. The Commissary Court was the Bishop's lower court. Its jurisdiction appears to have been restricted to the City of London, the county of Middlesex and Deanery of Barking in Essex. There was no clear distinction between the jurisdiction of the Consistory and Commissary Court. The latter dealt mostly with criminal cases and probate.
The growth of population in the 19th and 20th centuries demanded rearrangements of the boundaries of the diocese. Up until 1845 the diocese comprised of most parishes in Middlesex (except part of Stanwell which lay in the diocese of Oxford), the City of London parishes (excluding the thirteen parishes in the peculiar of the Arches), a substantial number of parishes in Hertfordshire and four parishes in Buckinghamshire (namely Aston Abbots, Grandborough, Little Horwood, and Winslow).
The abolition of the Peculiar jurisdictions of the Archbishop of Canterbury (the ecclesiastical units within the Middlesex area which were exempt from the administrative control of the diocese) in 1845 added the thirteen parishes in the City of London, some parishes in Middlesex, and those in the Deanery of Croydon in the ancient county of Surrey (Barnes, Mortlake, Newington, Putney, Walworth and Wimbledon). The diocese retained nine Essex parishes (Barking, Chingford, East and West Ham, Little Ilford, Low Leyton, Walthamstow, Wanstead and Woodford). The rest of Essex was temporarily transferred to the see of Rochester and the parishes in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire were removed from the diocese. At the same time parishes in the ancient county of Kent (Charlton, Deptford, Eltham, Greenwich, Lee, Lewisham, Plumstead and Woolwich) just south of the Thames were brought into the diocese.
Under the London Diocese Act 1863 and Diocese of Saint Albans Act 1875, provisions were made for the removal of Essex, Kent and Surrey parishes. In 1877 Surrey and Kent parishes were transferred to the diocese of Rochester, and then Surrey parishes to the diocese of Southwark in 1905.
The appointment of Suffragan bishops was also revived in the 19th century with officials holding the titles of Bishop of Stepney, Islington and Kensington. Further reorganisations were designed to link the ecclesiastical boundaries with that of county administration. In 1912 the Archdeaconry of Hampstead was carved out of the Archdeaconry of Middlesex. In 1951 parishes East of the City of London formed the Archdeaconry of Hackney. By 1964 the diocese of London consisted of the archdeaconries of London, Middlesex, Hampstead and Hackney with a total of 28 deaneries and 500 parishes.
In 2001 the diocese was made up of five areas, Edmonton, Kensington, London, Stepney and Willesden, 4 of which had an Area Bishop, to whom the Bishop of London delegated responsibilities. It covered 277 square miles and 17 boroughs of Greater London north of the Thames, from Staines in the West to the Isle of Dogs in the East serving a population of 3.5 million people.
A church in West Drayton first appears in sources in 1181. The present church of Saint Martin is situated in Church Road. It dates largely to the 15th century, with some surviving earlier fragments. The church was restored and refitted in 1850 and again in 1831. A National Day-school was built in 1859. Saint Martin's Church of England Secondary Modern School was built in 1958.
Source of information: A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 3: Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell, Sunbury, Teddington, Heston and Isleworth, Twickenham, Cowley, Cranford, West Drayton, Greenford, Hanwell, Harefield and Harlington (1962) (available online).
The parish of Staines, first specifically mentioned in 1179, was probably founded at least one hundred years earlier. Originally, it had jurisdiction over a large area including the dependent chapelries of Teddington, Ashford, Laleham and possibly Yeoveney, but by the thirteenth century Teddington had become virtually independent. However, although by the fifteenth century Laleham and Ashford had become regarded as separate parishes, with fixed boundaries and independent administrations, their benefices did not finally become detached from Staines until 1859. This explains the presence of items relating to Laleham among the records of St Mary, Staines. Before the Dissolution, the advowson lay with the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, and after that date, it was transferred to the Crown, whilst the right to tithes fell into lay hands. From 1725-1844 this right belonged to the Coussmaker family of Westwood, Surrey. The present church of St. Mary, Staines was built 1828-1829, but it incorporates the tower of the earlier church.
St Margaret's in the township of Uxbridge was built possibly as early as 1200, and administered as a chapel of ease to the parish of Hillingdon. In 1842 the chapelry became a separate parish.
It was stated from the 1650s onwards that, although Uxbridge remained technically part of Hillingdon parish, the townspeople had always elected their own officers and maintained their poor independently of the parent parish. The Uxbridge Vestry appointed parish officials including constables, headboroughs, and ale-conners; and were responsible for poor relief and the management of the workhouse and almshouses. Source of information: 'Hillingdon, including Uxbridge: Local government', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 4: Harmondsworth, Hayes, Norwood with Southall, Hillingdon with Uxbridge, Ickenham, Northolt, Perivale, Ruislip, Edgware, Harrow with Pinner (1971), pp. 82-87. Available online.
St James the Great is the ancient church of Friern Barnet, a parish in north Middlesex about seven miles north of London, bordering Hertfordshire to the north, Finchley to the west, Hornsey to the south, and Edmonton and Tottenham to the south east. Further churches were erected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to serve the growing population.
St John the Evangelist was built as a chapel of ease in 1891-1902. It was constructed to serve a populous part of the parish and attendance exceeded that at St James the Great before the chapel was even finished.
The church of St Peter le Poer was founded in 1866 as a mission serving Muswell Hill. In 1884 a temporary church was constructed which was used until 1909 when a permament structure was built, funded by money from the sale of the redundant church of St. Peter-le-Poer in the City of London.
Source of information: 'Friern Barnet: Churches', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 6: Friern Barnet, Finchley, Hornsey with Highgate (1980), pp. 29-32. Available online.