Corporation of London

Southwark was granted to the citizens of London by a charter of Edward III in 1327, following a petition from the citizens because felons and thieves escaped the City into Southwark where they could not be followed. Quarter Sessions were held for the Town and Borough of Southwark on days fixed by the Recorder for the transaction of ordinary sessions business. The Lord Mayor, two Aldermen and the Recorder had to be present to hold the court. The High Bailiff and his officers were also required to attend.

Quarter Sessions were courts of limited criminal and civil jurisdiction and of appeal, held quarterly before the recorder in boroughs. They were abolished in 1972. The Recorder was a person with legal knowledge appointed by the mayor and aldermen to record the proceedings of their courts and the customs of the city, his oral statement of these being taken as the highest evidence of fact.