Sous-fonds COL/CC/MGC - COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL: METAGE ON GRAIN COMMITTEE

0.6 linear metres

COL/CC/MGC 1872-1896 subfonds 0.6 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.

At first a sub-committee of the Joint Coal and Corn and Finance Committee and the Board of Corn Meters in Trust, the Metage on Grain Committee was formed on 20 Sep 1872 for carrying out the Metage on Grain (Port of London) Act 1872. This Act allowed the Corporation to charge a farthing per cwt [hundredweight] for all grain brought into the City for sale, with the intention of using the proceeds to buy Epping Forest and other open spaces. The Committee was to carry the Act into execution except for borrowing money and preserving open spaces, which were referred to be Coal, Corn and Finance Committee.

Corporation of London Records Office.

Minutes and committee papers of the Metage on Grain Committee, Court of Common Council, 1872-1896.

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

Order books 1872-1877 and 1892-1896, COL/CHD/DM/09 (Chamberlain's Department: Duties and Metage).

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 Metage on Grain Committee , Court of Common Council , Corporation of London Grain trade Trade (practice) Trade International trade Imports Finance Fiscal policy Taxation Coal duty Metage Europe City of London London England UK Western Europe

Corporation of London Records Office.

Minutes and committee papers of the Metage on Grain Committee, Court of Common Council, 1872-1896.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright City of London.

• anglais

• latin

English

Order books 1872-1877 and 1892-1896, COL/CHD/DM/09 (Chamberlain's Department: Duties and Metage).

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