Sous-fonds COL/CC/FSC - COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL: FISH SUPPLY COMMITTEE

0.4 linear metres

COL/CC/FSC 1875-1884 subfonds 0.4 linear metres Corporation of London

The concept of the Court of Common Council grew from the ancient custom of the Folkmoot, when the assent of the citizens to important acts was obtained. This custom was continued by the Mayor who consulted the Commons several times during the 13th century. From 1376 the assembly began to meet regularly and was referred to as the Common Council. It was decided that the Council should be made up of persons elected from each Ward. By 1384 a permanent Common Council chosen by the citizens was established for all time. The Council assumed legislative functions and adopted financial powers, confirmed by Charters of 1377 and 1383. The Council has often used these powers to amend the civic constitution, regulate the election of Lord Mayor and other officials, and amend the functions of the City courts. The Council was judged so successful in the conduct of its duties that it was the only Corporation unreformed by Parliament following the Municipal Corporations Commission report of 1837, while the Corporation Inquiry Commission of 1854 suggested only minor reforms. The work of the Council is conducted by a number of committees, while the whole Council has the right to approve policy, confirm major decisions and sanction expenditure. The committees handle many aspects of the running of the City including land and estates, finance and valuation, open spaces, street improvement and town planning, public health, police, Port of London, civil defence, airports, libraries, markets, education, and law. The Town Clerk has held responsibility for recording the minutes of the Council and its committees since 1274.

Billingsgate Market is the oldest of the markets owned by the Corporation of London. Originally fish was sold from stalls and sheds around the dock at Billingsgate. In 1850 a market building was constructed on Lower Thames Street but it proved to be inadequate and was demolished in 1873 to make way for the building which still stands today. Designed by Sir Horace Jones (who also designed Leadenhall and Smithfield markets), Billingsgate opened in 1876. The building is now a landmark Grade 2 listed structure. The Fish Supply Committee was formed to consider issues relating to the import and sale of fish in London.

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records of the Fish Supply Committee, Court of Common Council, including minutes, 1881-1884; committee papers including suggestions for improving fish supply and markets, returns and related correspondence of railway and shipping companies regarding fish delivered into London, 1878-1881, extracts of evidence and returns regarding railway charges for carriage of fish, 1881-1884, and printed pamphlets and reports relating to fish supply and fish markets, 1875-1881.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright City of London.
English

Fit

Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

See also CLA/010: Billingsgate Market and COL/CC/BLM: Court of Common Council Billingsgate and Leadenhall Markets Committee.

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. February 2009 Fish Supply Committee , Court of Common Council , Corporation of London Commercial premises Markets Fishmarkets Trade (practice) Fish trade Trade International trade Imports Economic conditions Supply and demand Europe City of London London England UK Western Europe

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records of the Fish Supply Committee, Court of Common Council, including minutes, 1881-1884; committee papers including suggestions for improving fish supply and markets, returns and related correspondence of railway and shipping companies regarding fish delivered into London, 1878-1881, extracts of evidence and returns regarding railway charges for carriage of fish, 1881-1884, and printed pamphlets and reports relating to fish supply and fish markets, 1875-1881.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright City of London.

• anglais

• latin

English

See also CLA/010: Billingsgate Market and COL/CC/BLM: Court of Common Council Billingsgate and Leadenhall Markets Committee.

Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

• anglais