John Goodricke was born in the Netherlands in 1764. the son of Henry Goodricke, a British diplomat. His family returned to York in 1776. He died in 1786.
See Also - Pigott; family; astronomers
The NUJ was founded in 1907. In 1911 it became an Approved Society under the National Insurance Act which enabled it to provide unemployment pay, hardship benefits and legal aid. In 1926 it joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) along with twelve other nations. In 2006 membership numbers surpassed 40,000.
A community magazine for residents in Acomb and the surrounding area.
The first William Fairbank was a quaker and surveyor who with the help of his son made plans of estates in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. His two sons William and Josiah carried on the business and after that, Josiah and his son took over in 1833. After his son's death in 1848, the company was wound up.
The Fairbanks were involved in the construction of enclosures, railways, canals, roads and waterworks. They operated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and even Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire.
The York Academic Trust was incorporated (as a company, limited by guarantee) in March 1956. A legally distinct entity, the Civic Trust transferred ownership and management of the institutes, and the property and funding held by the Civic Trust on the Academic Development Committee's behalf, to the new 'York Academic Trust'. A Governing Council was established from the key members of the former Academic Development Committee and this was chaired by Dean Milner-White and had as its secretary, John West-Taylor (later secretary to the York University Planning Committee and first Registrar of the University).
The York Academic Trust felt the time was right to consider another approach to the University Grants Committee (UGC) in December 1957, updating them on York's achievements to date and developing plans. In July 1958 an approach was made to the Chair of the UGC, Sir Keith Murray, via an intermediary. While Murray's response to the renewed proposal for a university at York was not wholly encouraging, the rapidity with which events were changing nationally, and the increasing pressure the UGC faced to expand university provision led to another informal approach and an invitation to Murray to visit York to discuss York's case for a university. Murray came to York in July 1959 and was shown the two institutes, and a possible site for the university at Heslington Hall (purchased by the Joseph Rowntree Social Service Trust in 1956) and further potential accommodation at King's Manor). Following a successful and encouraging visit the York University Promotion Committee was established in November 1959 (UOY/F/YUPC). A York deputation met with the UGC on 16 December 1959 and presented a formal memorandum to present the case for a University of York. The YUPC was informed of the success of its application for a university on 19 April 1960.
Nunthorpe Grammar School was opened in 1920, in a house in Southlands Road, York. The house had been purchased and refurbished by the council. By March 1921 there were 64 enrolled at the school, which rose to 425 by March 1933.
In 1927 a new wing was opened, with four new classrooms, an art room, two storerooms and a cloakroom. The old stable block was also converted into two laboratories, and the stableboys' sleeping quarters were converted into the school library.
In 1959 a gym was added as well as what was for the next 25 years to be known as the 'new block', the building containing laboratories and classrooms. A Sixth Form block was added in 1974, although this block is now used for science laboratories and languages classrooms. In 1984 a new sports hall was built, however the following year the school closed and, together with Mill Mount Grammar School for Girls, became part of the new Millthorpe Secondary School.
William Hargrove was born in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, on 16 October 1788, the youngest child of Ely Hargrove and his second wife. His father intended him to join the church, and he was placed under the care of his godfather, Robert Wyrell, at that time curate of Knaresborough. Wyrell recommended, however, that Hargrove be trained as a journalist, and as a result he was accordingly apprenticed to Mr. Smart of Huddersfield.
Following his apprenticeship Hargrove returned to Knaresborough, before purchasing the York Herald, a weekly newspaper, in 1813. He moved to York, and the first number of the York Herald under his management was published on 13 July 1813. He was editor of the paper for the next 35 years, and during that time expanded the staff to include a reporter, and a correspondent in nearly every town in Yorkshire. Hargrove subsequently bought the shares in the business of his two sleeping partners.
In October 1818 Hargrove entered the corporation of York as a common councilman for Bootham ward. He defended Queen Caroline in the York Herald, and announced her acquittal in 1820 by torchlight from the steps of the Mansion House. In 1827 he successfully promoted, along with Charles Wellbeloved, a scheme for the erection of a Mechanics' Institute, of which he became the first secretary and treasurer. In 1831 he was elected a sheriff of York.
In 1818 Hargrove published a 'History and Description of the ancient City of York'; comprising all the most interesting information already published in Drake's "Eboracum," with new additional content and illustrations. He had initially planned to reprint Francis Drake's Eboracum, but did not have enough support.
Hargrove also published the York Poetical Miscellany; being selections from the best Authors, in 1835. He was a contributor to the poets' corner of the York Herald and the York Courant, and to magazines. He also issued A New Guide for Strangers and Residents in the City of York. ... Hargrove's pocket edition, illustrated in 1842.
Hargrove collected the Roman and mediaeval remains excavated in and around York. About ten years before his death he transferred the whole collection to the museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society. He died at York on 29 August 1862.
Christopher Ware was born in March 1794 in St Michael le Belfrey parish in York He married Sarah Nicholson in 1823. He died in 1858.
Founded pre-1391. Transferred in 1478 to gild of Corpus Christi. Following dissolution of gild of Corpus Christi in 1547, hospital continued independently, then co-opted Lord Mayor and Aldermen as master and officers in 1552. Property transferred to Lord Mayor and commonalty of York in 1582-3, subsequently managed as a corporation charity.
The National Licensed Victuallers Association was created in 1986 after a reorganisation of the National Union of Licensed Victuallers. It was dissolved in 1992 and replaced by the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association.
William Varley was a quaker and conscientious objector from New Earswick, York. He refused to join the Army Reserve where men were conscripted under the Military Service Act of 1916. He was later sent to prison to serve a sentance for disobeying the command of his Superior Officer when ordered to put on a uniform. While in prison he continued to campaign for the rights of conscientious objectors. In November of 1916 William Varley accepted work of national importance and left prison to do this in January 1917.
Oswald Allen was born at Scarhead Farm near Gayle in 1767, the oldest of ten children of the Reverend James Allen, a hymn writer, and his wife Margaret (nee Wilson).
Oswald went to Free School in Hawes, which was founded by his grandfather, also called Oswald Allen. At the age of 13, he became an apprentice to a relative, Dr Francis Whaley, a York apothecary. In 1799 Allen began to style himself Dr Oswald Allen following the establishment of his medical practice and his founding of the York Dispensary. He later wrote a history of the York Dispensary and was succeeded in the business by his cousin John Wilson.
Oswald Allen married Francis Withers, the sister of one of his dispensary colleagues. In 1820, a 'medicine pot' memorial was dedicated to Dr. Oswald and Francis Allen at St Lawrence's Church in York. In 1833 he began writing his memoirs, which were later donated to York Reference Library.
In 1841, a widowed Oswald retired to Hawes, England with his grandson, Dr. Oswald Allen Moore, a surgeon.
See Also - Allen; Oswald (1767-?)
The Hospital/House of Blessed Mary and St Martin was founded by members of gild of St Anthony in 1446. The charity continued as a corporation charity after the Dissolution. The building, known as St Anthony's Hall was being used as a house of correction in 1646, housed the York Bluecoat School between 1705-1947 and the Borthwick Institute for Archives between 1953-2005
York Arts Centre was opened in 1968 in a converted church in Micklegate, York. The building was owned by York Civic Trust, with University of York acting as landlord. The venue provided a space for artists and creatives in York to work, and showcase exhibitions and performances. The decision was taken in autumn 1999 to wind-up the business due to ongoing financial difficulties.
Rights to York's common lands or strays were limited to freemen, and survived the 1835 Municipal Corporations Act. In the early twentieth century, the corporation sought to gain control over the lands to ensure that the land was used for the benefit of the community more widely. Micklegate Stray was the first to be acquired, by a payment of £1000 a year to the freemen in relinquishment of their rights. The York (Micklegate Strays) Bill went to Parliament and was passed in 1907, and a charitable trust was setup to receive and distribute the funds to needy freemen. Other strays developed similar arrangements over the twentieth century, but not without controversy and opposition. The first municipal allotments were provided in 1905, and from 1908 the council had a mandatory duty to provide allotments to residents.
Gained functions from Freemen (Reformed) from 1907 onwards. Replaced by the Parks and Smallholdings &c Committee (1913-1974)
This company began trading in 1800, and by 1901 was operating from premises at 2 Coney Street, York. The business was taken over by the Wright family in 1934. In 1972 Jeremy Wright took over the business and transformed it into a perfumery. It was later purchased by June Yeo and her husband Leonard in 1997. When Mrs Yeo decided to retire in 2011, her former supplier Hanus Wolf bought the business and began trading in October 2011.
The shop closed in July 2017.
Member of the Cabinet.
Known as Cabinet Member for City Strategy between May 2011- August 2012.
Member of the Cabinet.
Tourism was transferred from the Leader portfolio to this Cabinet Member in August 2012.
Member of the Cabinet.
Known as Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from May 2011-August 2012.
Member of the Cabinet.
The first city police force and chief constable were established in 1835. In 1925 there were 107 members of the force.
Reported to Watch Committee. Full responsibility for policing transferred to Corporation in 1835 from Magistrates and Parish Constables. Instructed Superintedendent and Deputy Chief Constable.
Kexby Parish Council was officially created when the Local Government Act of 1894 formed Parish Councils. The new Parish Councils assumed responsibility for local civic and social welfare which was previously managed through ecclesiastical parishes. At the time of its creation, Kexby was included in Escrick Rural District. In 1935 it became part of Derwent rural district and in 1974 became part of the Selby district of North Yorkshire. Kexby officially became part of York Unitary Authority in 1996.
Member of the Cabinet.
Prior to the formation of this committee, each committee organised its own procurement. The Salaries Commitee suggested that a Stores Sub-committee be setup to co-ordinate this purchasing. It first met on 24th January 1921. It developed into a central purchasing unit.
Name changed from Stores Committee to Stores and Purchasing Committee c. 1952.
First appointed in 1873 by Urban Sanitary Committee. As duties increased, so did size and activities of the Inspection department. Initially responsible for environmental nuisances, functions widened in the early twentieth century with the passing of legislation on food hygiene.
Reported to Urban Sanitary Committee (1873-1900) and its successor the Health Committee (1901-1974). Head of the Sanitary Inspection Department. Gained responsibility for factory sanitary conditions from Factory Inspector in 1921.
Candidates were taken from the county gentry and city elite and had to become freemen if they were not already. Often heavily involved in civic life, many also served as aldermen and mayors during their careers. The electorate consisted solely of the freemen until 1835.
In the medieval period the corporation typically selected its representatives members directly. They were often uncontested until elections became more politicised in the eighteenth century, when hundreds of new freemen were sometimes sworn in to swing a vote. From the 1830s-1900, each of the two seats were usually held by the opposing parties. In the twentieth century, the seat alternated between the Labour and Conservative parties regularly, and has been held by a Labour MP since 1992.
York traditionally returned two members as a borough constituency. In 1918 the number of MPs was reduced to one. In 2010 the "City of York" and "Vale of York" seats were replaced by "York Central" and "York Outer".
Prior to 1970, social service functions were carried out by a number of committees and departments across the council. The Local Authority Social Services Act required that a Director of Social Services be appointed.
Some functions previously carried out by Welfare Committee (1948-1971) and Housing Department. See also Social Services Committee.
Basis of the "New Poor Law". Previously, poor relief had been organised at the parish level. The New Poor Law grouped parishes into Poor Law Unions to better distribute the balance of poor rate payers and receivers within an area. In York, the system was not implemented until 1837. Board of Guardians were elected annually by property owners and rate-payers. The York Poor Law Union was founded with 32 urban and 48 rural parishes.
Not part of corporation but supported by a council officer: Clerk to the Guardians. Poor relief function transferred from Overseers of the Poor in 1837. Administration of institutions transferred to council Welfare Committee in 1948.
St Sampson's Old People's Centre opened in 1984.
Preceded by the Air Raid Precautions Committee.
See Board of Guardians.
The York Motor Boat Club was founded in June 1933 by motor boat enthusiasts who moored along the River Ouse in York. The first President of the Club was Mr B Hudson who purchased the Clubhouse as a Prisoner of War Hospital in Silecroft, Cumbria. The wooden building was brought across to York and erected at Fulford, opening in 1954. The Club changed its name to York Motor Yacht Club in 1968.
Earswick Parish Council was officially created when the Local Government Act of 1894 formed Parish Councils. Earswick officially became part of York Unitary Authority in 1996.
The first adult schools were set up by Quakers, with members of the Rowntree family being part of the committee until the late 1960s. Early schools date back to the late 19th century with the York and District Adult School Union first being formed in 1903. They began by establishing schools in some of the newer housing areas of the city and so the number of adult schools rose from 4 to 13 and the number of pupils from 729 to 2648.
Society of Friends; Lord Mayor of York J.W. Rowntree; York Educational Settlement
Clementhorpe Community Association was established in 1984.
Member of the Cabinet.
Member of the Cabinet.
Oversaw city tram service, which it took ownership of in 1909.
Gained function from City of York Tramways Company in 1909. Merged with Electrity Committee in 1911 to form Electricity and Tramways Committee.
Function gained from Electricity and Tramways Committee in 1923. Shared provision of bus services with West Yorkshire Motor Car Company from 1934.
Contracts for the sewerage work were finalised in 1891, and a new engineer, inspector of works and inspector of construction of machinery were appointed. The work was split into multiple contracts, No.1 Pumping Station and Engines, No. 2 City Sewers, No.3 Pumping Station buildings, No. 4 Rising Main and Outfall Works at Naburn and No. 5 Sludge Pressing plant.. The work cost more than expected and application was made to the Local Government Board in 1895 for a extension of the capital expediture loan repayment period.
See also Drainage and Sanitary Improvement Act Committee (1852-1888)
Formed from merger of Parks Committee and Allotment Commitee in 1961.
Formed from merger of Parks Committee (1913-1961) and Allotments Committee (c.1924-1961).
Joined with corporation in 1934 to form a joint committee to run bus services in and around York.
The committee initially recommended that £600 be distributed to existing providers such as the York Institute of Science (Mechanic Institute), the York Art School and the Railway Institute. However, the corporation bought the York Institute in 1891 and ran its own City of York School of Science and Art to continue and expand technical education provision. It also opened the first free library in 1891 in Clifford Street, based on the Institute's inherited bookstock plus solicited public donations.
Library management functions transferred to Library Committee in January 1904. Art Gallery management functions transferred to Museum and Art Gallery Committee in 1912. Instructed City Librarian. Instructed Art Master.
The York Education Committee was founded in 1903 and comprised of a mixture of council and co-opted members. It was a busy committee that operated through a number of long-lasting sub-committees. This official was created to support the committee.
Reported to York Education Committee (1903-1970s).
Managed Education Department. In the mid twentieth century the department was responsible for secondary and primary education places, York Technical College, school meals, staffing, purchasing, school health service, caretaking and cleaning, monitored attendence, youth employment service and child guidance clinic. Supported by a deputy and large staf.
Responsible for the erection of a new toll bridge south of Clifford's tower, known as Skeldergate bridge.
The corporation took over ownership and management of common lands in the twenteith century and developed them for the use of residents. Recreation facilities and allotments were provided, and use of land leased for short or longer terms to York commercial and amatuer groups, events, clubs and societies. In 1921 the corporation accepted the donation of Rowntree Park from Joseph Rowntree, and it became York's first municipal park.
Replaced the Strays Committee (1907-1913) in 1913 and took over allotment functions from the Estates Committee. Instructed Head Gardener and Parks Superintendant. Allotment functions transferred to Allotments Committee c.1924. Merged with Alloments committee in 1961.
Formed from a merger of the Electricity and the Tramways committees following the electrification of the previously horse-drawn tram service in 1910. Trialled a hydroelectric generating station at Linton Lock in 1923. Introduced buses in 1915 and built a bus depot in 1921 at Fulford.
Formed from a merger of the Electricity and the Tramways committees in 1911. Functions separated again in 1923 into the Electricity Committee (1923-1948) and Transport Committee (1923-1973). Instructed Tramways and Motor Manager.
The corporation took over the navigation from its private trustees in 1853. It repaired and improved the navigation.
Function transferred from Trustees of the Foss navigation (Original) in 1853
Originally responsible for practical upkeep of the city walls, the post became defunct but continued in name. As late as the eighteenth century, chamberlain's had to pay a fine for exoneration from the office.
See also Bridgemasters and Chameberlains.
Reported to Parks Committee (in various incarnations). Delegated functions received from Education, Highways and Housing Departments.
Instructed by Medical Officer of Health, Local Board of Health and Chief Sanitary Inspector. Supported by Assistant Inspectors of Nuisances.
In the 1880s the corporation's entire financial system was audited by a Bradford accountancy firm, Colefax and Hamer, who produced a confidential report for the Audit and Investigation Committee. They found severe deficiencies in almost all areas of book keeping and one of many recommendations was the appointment of a professional city accountant. This post was created in 1884 and lasted until 1905 after which the duties went back to the City Treasurer. By 1958 (at the latest) there was once more a separate post, Chief Accountant, who worked under the City Treasurer.
Functions gained from City Treasurer in 1884. Functions transferred to City Treasurer in 1905. Functions delegated by City Treasurer (mid twentieth century)
Formerly known as the Executive. Comprised of Cabinet Members, each with their own porfolio area, from the largest political group. Chaired by the Leader of the Council.
Between 2011-2013 the Cabinet Member portfolios were as follows:
Leader; City Strategy; Corporate Services; Health, Housing and Adult Social Services; Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion; Communities and Neighbourhood Services; Education, Children and Young People's Services; Crime and Community Safety.
In August 2013 Communities and Neighbourhoods Services was replaced by Environmental Services; Corporate Services became Finance, Performance and Customer Service; City Strategy became Transport, Planning and Sustainability. Crime and Community Safety was renamed Crime and Stronger Communities; Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion was renamed Leisure, Culture and Tourism. The other portfolios remained unchanged.
Formerly known as the Executive. Reported into Full Council. Each Cabinet Member has a duty to advise on their own portfolio area.
The historic rights of the corporation to manage trade (including markets) in the city developed over the centuries as evidenced by various royal charters. This committee was created in 1827 in order to address the inadaquate provision and management of market space, and obtained an Act in 1833 for improving markets in the city. The area between Pavement and St Sampsons square was cleared for the new Parliament Street market which opened in 1836. The Act was superceded by the York Extension and Improvement Act 1884.
Instructed Inspector of Markets and Markets Superintendent.
Founded as the Mechanics Institute in 1827. In 1838 its name was changed to The Institute of Popular Science and Literature. A purpose built hall was opened in 1846. In 1885 a new building at Clifford Street was opened which incorporated the library and art school. In 1891 the corporation bought the Institute to be used as a technical school. The library stock formed the first free library in York which the corporation opened in 1891.
Became City of York Institute of Science and Art in 1891.
See Also - York Mechanics' Friendly Society
See Also - York Mechanics' Friendly Society
Instructed by Markets Committee.
Post first established in 1906, School Clinic established in 1908. In the 1920s and 1950s (at least) this post was held by the current Medical Officer of Health.
Reported to Education Committee. Instructed School Medical Inspector. See also Medical Officer of Health.
A School Clinic was established in 1908. All school children in municipal schools were inspected and treatment provided including optical and dental. A number of staff were employed including school nurses and a dental nurse.
Reported to School Medical Officer. See also Medical Officer of Health
Oversight and rationalisation of school-aged education was begun in York by the York School Board in 1889. The function was transferred to the council in 1902/3 when it was established as the new LEA (Local Education Authority). A provisional committee was established in January 1903, and the formal committee took over in July.
The first municipal secondary school (Queen Anne's School for Girls) was opened in 1910. Mill Mount (Girls) and Nunthorpe (Boys) were added in 1920. The 1902 Education Act provided for the funding and management of church schools by LEAs and improved resources and standardisation. A proportion of funds were provided centrally from the Board of Education in Whitehall, which advised, approved or suggested actions to be taken by LEAs.
Function received from York School Board (1889-1902). Supported by Secretary of Education.
The ancient corporation was dramatically altered by the Municipal Corporation Act. It lost many legal rights and privileges, the electorate was widened, various officials were changed or renamed and a single chamber was instituted.
Previously known as "the Mayor and Commonality of the City of York", it developed into the historical Corporation (see City of York Corporation (Unreformed). The corporation was reformed in 1835, became a district council with North Yorkshire County Council in 1974 and a unitary authority once more as the City of York Council in 1996. Municipal charities passed to York Charity Trustees in 1837.
The 1948 Children Act made it the responsibility of local authorities to provide social care for children without parents or parents unable to provide suitable care. The committee and department were formed in 1948 with council members. Voluntary organisations working with "deprived children" were invited to nominate representatives for co-opted members. The committee considered appointing a joint Children Officer shared with the East Riding but both authorities decided against it.
Function created by legislation in 1948. Instructed Children's Officer.
The first medical officer of health was appointed in 1873 when the corporation became the urban sanitary distinct. The post became full-time in 1900. At times the post holder was also the Principal School Medical Officer
Reported to Health Committee, See also School Medical Officer.
The DORA powers for local authorities to acquire land for allotments during the First World War expired in 1923. A new act was made in 1922 which provided more security of tenure and specified the chief uses to which an allotment could be put. Merged with Parks Committee once more in the 1960s.
Functions originally part of the Strays Committee (1907-1913), followed by the Parks Committee before a dedicated Allotments Committee was formed in the 1920s. The Parks and Allotments Committees merged once more in 1961.
By the 16th/17th centuries pasture-masters for each ward administered the common lands. Traditionally appointed by Wardmote Courts, but occasionally by the corporation. Following inclosure, pasturemasters were appointed by the corporation, but this was challenged in 1835. In the nineteenth century, appointments switched between the corporation and wardmote courts/freemen a number of times, alongside disputes over corporation control and ownership of the lands themselves.
Appointed by/reported to Wardmote Court and/or Corporation. See also Freemen (Reformed) and Freemen (Unreformed)
Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the City Architect kept his title but was transferred to North Yorkshire County Council. The post came back to CYC in 1996.
Gained specialist functions from City Engineer/ Surveyor. Instructed by committees of the council. See also City Engineer/ Surveyor.
At different times the term City Engineer or Surveyor appear to have referred to broadly the same functions. In 1850 the joint post of City Engineer and Surveyor was formally instituted. Other titles such as Planning Officer were incorporated into the post at various times.
Instructed by all council committees as required.
The 1948 Children Act made it the responsibility of local authorities to provide social care for children without parents or parents unable to provide suitable care. A Children's Officer was appointed to head a social work Children's department.
Reported to Children Commitee (also known as Children's Committee)
The school of art was formed from two art schools which merged in 1905, one in St Leonard's and one created as part of the Mechanics Institute. Following the 1899 Technical Education Act, the city took over the Institute in 1891 and ran its own schools of art and science. The art school moved to the art gallery building in Exhibition square around the early 20th centry.
Reported to Technical Instruction Committee (in various incarnations).
The ancient corporation of York, with rights and privileges gradually accrued over time by royal degree and legislation. It was dramatically reformed in 1835 following the Municipal Corporations Act.
Previously known as "the Mayor and Commonality of the City of York", it developed into the historical corporation. The corporation was reformed in 1835, became a district council within North Yorkshire County Council in 1974 and a unitary authority once more as the City of York Council in 1996.
Established to preserve derelict cemetery as working cemetery containing historic structures and environmental habitat. The York Public Cemetery Company was formed in 1837 to provide better burial facilities for the citizens of York. From 1855 until the 1940s the cemetery expanded to its present size of 24 acres (97,000 m2) by buying all the adjacent land that was available. By the 1960s, with the cemetery nearly full, it became clear that it was no longer financially viable. With prospects of very little income to pay wages and cover the maintenance of the site, in June 1966 the company went into voluntary liquidation. When the process was completed in 1979, there was nothing of commercial value left, only the land containing over 28,000 graves, 17,000 monuments and two listed buildings in an advanced state of disrepair. The abandoned site devolved to the Crown. In June 1984 the roof of the chapel collapsed. This event led to the formation of York Cemetery Trust, a registered charity. Two and a half years later the Crown Commissioners sold York Cemetery to the Trust. On 13th February 1987, the Trust became the owners of the site.
Reopened York Cemetery in 1987. Function previously carried out by York Public Cemetery Company (1826-1966).
The committee of trustees appointed in 1833 were reappointed by the corporation when it took formal responsibility for the navigation.
Function transferred from Trustees of the Ouse navigation (Original) in 1835.
Managed Housing and Estates department with responsibility for applications, lettings, inspections and repairs.
Originally responsible for practical upkeep of bridges, the post became defunct but continued in name. As late as the eighteenth century, chamberlain's had to pay a fine for exoneration from the office.
See also Chamberlains and Muremasters.
Became the chief cemetery in York after pre-existing city burial grounds were closed in 1854, and the cemetery was extended several times. An additional one was opened in Fulford in 1915 which also took military burials. The company went into voluntary liquidation in 1966 and went to the Crown. It remained derelict until the establishment of the York Cemetery Trust in 1987.
Function ceased in 1966. Cemetary reopened by York Cemetery Trust in 1987.
Selected from the majority party.
Chaired the Executive or Cabinet.
Possibly renamed due to involvement in 1951 Festival of Britain activities in York including production and promotion of guidebook, setting up an information bureau and arranging guided tours of the city. Tang Hall branch library established in this period.
Replaced Public Library Committee in 1951. Instructed City Librarian. Functions gained from or complementary to Publicity Committee (1944-1949). Replaced by Library and Friendly Relations Committee in 1962.
Founded as the Mechanics Institute in 1827. Following the Technical Instruction Act 1899 which permitted the corporation to fund technical instruction, the corporation bought the assets of the Institute and ran it directly. The library stock formed the first free library in York which the corporation opened in 1891.
See also Art Master. Managed by Technical Instruction Committee (in various incarnations).
Managed and improved rivers including bridges, tolls, drainage, locks and use of adjacent lands.
See also Sewerage Committee.
The corporation petitioned for the 1848 Public Health Act to be applied to York, and took over public health responsibilites from the city commissioners in 1850. The Board was not part of the corporation, but its members were appointed by and often members of, the corporation.
Gained functions from city commissioners in 1850. Merged with the corporation and functions transferred to Urban Sanitary Committee when the council became the urban sanitary authority in 1872.
Continuation of Lunatic Asylum Visiting Committee. Functions widened to include out-patient clinics as an alternative to institutions or as aftercare.
Reported to by Medical Superintendent. Previously the Lunatic Asylum Visiting Committee.
Mental health provision in York was originally established privately, with the York Lunatic Asylum opened by public subscription in 1772 and run by a board of governors. In 1796, the Retreat was opened by the Society of Friends. Public provision of asylums was permissive from 1808 and obligatory from 1845. Dissatisfaction with the asylum led to the purchase of land for a new corporation-run institution, and in 1906 the City Mental Hospital was opened at Naburn. The City funded the buildings, and the Guardians (originally) funded the patients.
Instructed the Medical Superintendent. Renamed Mental Hospital Committee in 1926.
Gained responsibility for friendly relations with foreign towns in 1962.
Replaced Library and Publicity Committee in 1962. Gained friendly relation function from Friendly Alliance with Foreign Towns Committee (1958-1961) in 1961. Instructed City Librarian.
Created in 1835 as fixed-term elected representatives, they formed the core of the reformed Corporation. They are elected based on geographical wards. In 1925 the number of wards increased from 6 to 12.
Thomas Surbey was a London-based engineer chosen in 1699 by two MPs of the City of York to survey the River Ouse. The purpose of this survey was so that the river could be made more navigable by ships. Surbey began his work on 5 May 1699, accompanied by two gentlemen, John Atty and Benedict Horsley, as well as two watermen, the captain and a boy. Together they made soundings and other observations along the river from York to the Humber and Hull. They returned to York on the 13 May.
Surbey returned to York with a series of recommendations, and began work on drawings plans and sections of the lock and weir, as well as preparing detailed specifications, estimates and a written report. He then presented the report to the City of York Corporation on 23 May 1699. His resulting report, covering 19 folio pages as well as a map or chart of the river, is believed to be one of the earliest practical civil engineering reports in England.
See Also - Allen; Oswald (1767-?)
Instituted in March 1940 by City of York Council and York County Hospital Committee.
Functions transferred to York 'A' and Tadcaster Hospital Management Committee in 1948 upon the instiution of the NHS.
Responsibility for health issues such as sanitary notices, inspection of food, slum clearances, health instiutions, public baths, air pollution. Acted through an increasingly large number of sub-committees such as environmental health, mental health, ambulance service, maternity etc. Business transacted relates to policy, management and named individuals.
Previously the Urban Sanitary District Committee (1872-1901). Instructed the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
Appointed in 1891 to manage first free public lending and reference library based in Clifford Street in the former Mechanics Institute. Purpose built central library built in 1920s supported by Carnegie fund. Branch libraries opened throughout twentieth century. For details see Technical Institution and Library Management Committee and successors.
Reported to various incarnations of Public Library Committee.
Following the Municipal Reform Act, aldermen continued to be at the heart of local government in York, but their status was changed. The number remained the same at twelve, one third of the total body of councillors, but appointments were for 6 years only, rather than life. They were selected by the council, not the electorate (including the outgoing aldermen, until this was ended by national legislation in 1910).
During this period funds were obtained from the Carnegie trustees for a new public library building in the current location. Funds were granted in 1916 but due to the war, work began in 1925. The new central library was opened in 1927, and had open access shelves. Newspapers, reference stock and lending stock were provided. Branch libraries were later opened including Acomb and Dringhouses.
Library management functions transferred from Technical Education and Library Management Commitee in January 1904. Instructed City Librarian. Replaced by Library and Publicity Committee in 1951.
Management of the Art Gallery and Castle Museum were traditionally by separate committees. These were merged around 1973.
Previously named Museum and Art Gallery Committee (1912-1932) and Art Gallery Committee (1932-c.1973). Instructed Curator of Art Gallery and Curator of Castle Museum. Gained responsibility from Castle Museum Committee c. 1973.
The art gallery buildings were used and altered by the military authorities during WWII. The building was improved and redeveloped between 1948-1951. First professional curator appointed in 1947. Opened a folk museum in the female prison within York castle in 1938. The debtors's prison extension was opened in 1952.
Previously named Museum and Art Gallery Committee (1912-1932). Instructed Curator.
The Exhibition Buildings and its art collection were transferred to the council from its trustees in 1893. In 1912 this committee was set up to manage the art gallery. There was no museum until the Castle Museum was opened in 1938, but the committee used enabling legislation aimed at museums in order to raise funds from the rates, hence its name.
Gained responsiblility for Art Gallery from Technical Instruction and Higher Education Committees in 1912. Instructed Curator.
In 1835 the status of freemen in York as the sole electorate, master craftsmen, traders and officials was ended as part of municipal reform. In 1953 a Gild of freemen was setup to "enhance the good reputation of the City of York" and "maintain and develop the rights and privileges of the Admitted Citizens and Freemen of York".
See also Strays Committee.
The councillors or "24" were drawn from the common council or "48 / 72" and had often previously served as a civic official such as sheriff. Along with the aldermen they formed the upper tier of the Corporation. They were elected geographically by wards, only freemen could vote.
An independent committee setup by the National Insurance Act 1911, the corporation contributed 20% of the membership.
First mentioned in 1385, the recorder was chief legal advisor to the Corporation and a professional lawyer. They were usually chosen by the Corporation but were occasionally royal appointees. The post acquired some of the sheriff's legal functions in 1835.
Acquired some legal functions from Sheriff in 1835.
In York an independent Commission of the Peace was setup in 1835, incorporating the Lord Mayor as chief magistrate but with an membership of Justices of the Peace otherwise distinct from the corporation.
Functions transferred from city magistracy traditionally consisting of Lord Mayor, aldermen and sheriffs. Supported by a legal professional clerk.
Instituted in 1837 as independent and non-partisan charitable trustees for the city's former municipal charities including many centuries-old private bequests or "gifts". In 1898, only 5 trustees were alive and political and religious views became involved in the appointment process. The Charity Commissioners raised the number to 18 to allow a balanced membership. In 1902 this was reduced back to 13, including for the first time 5 members of the corporation.
Municipal charities transferred from Lord Mayor and Corporation in 1837.