Sous-fonds COL/CC/GRJ - COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL: JOINT GRESHAM COMMITTEE

0.3 linear metres

COL/CC/GRJ 1743-1866 subfonds 0.3 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.

Under the will of Sir Thomas Gresham certain property, including the Royal Exchange, was left jointly to the Corporation and the Mercers' Company upon various trusts, including the payment of lecturers at Gresham College and the maintenance of almshouses. The trust was administered by the Joint Gresham Committee with representatives from both the Mercers' and the Corporation.

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records of the Joint Gresham Committee, Court of Common Council, including minutes, 1743-1852, bills and warrants, 1764-1773 and rough minutes, 1863-1866.

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/062: Gresham College and Royal Exchange and COL/CC/GRC: Gresham Committee (City Side).

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 City of London Europe Joint Gresham Committee , Court of Common Council , Corporation of London Educational institutions Colleges (UK) Teaching methods Lectures (teaching method) Construction engineering Building operations Building construction London England UK Western Europe Further education institutions

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records of the Joint Gresham Committee, Court of Common Council, including minutes, 1743-1852, bills and warrants, 1764-1773 and rough minutes, 1863-1866.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright City of London.

• anglais

• latin

English

See also CLA/062: Gresham College and Royal Exchange and COL/CC/GRC: Gresham Committee (City Side).

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