Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1155-1974 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1000+ boxes and volumes.
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Name of creator
Administrative history
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.
Name of creator
Administrative history
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.
Name of creator
Administrative history
In 1974 York lost its status as a county borough and became a district council within North Yorkshire County Council.
Previously known as "the Mayor and Commonality of the City of York", it deveoped 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.
Name of creator
Administrative history
In 1996 York became a unitary authority once more as the City of York Council.
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.
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The civic archive is the historical archive of the City of York Council and predecessor bodies. The oldest surviving record dates from 1155. It is the archive of the civic life of the city and will continue to grow and take in new records to preserve the present for the future.
The collection is rich and varied record of everyday life in the city of York over many centuries. The core collection consists of the records of governance and adminstration, such as council minutes from 1476, chamberlain's accounts from 1398 and the minutes of dozens of committees on subjects as diverse as air raids, libraries, public assistance and markets.
The collection also includes the records of departments (from the twentieth century) and arms length bodies whose responsibilites were transferred to or from the council over time, such as the trustees for the Ouse and the Foss.
To explore record creators such as committees or civic officials search for 'corporate bodies' in the catalogue, where you can find detailed information and a link to the records of each. This is a good way of unpicking the complex web of departments and committees which changed their names often whilst continuing to carry out the same function.
This catalogue is a selection of the civic archive showing the records which are currently available for access only. Further historical and modern records will be added as they are catalogued and processed into the new archive store at York Explore, including records post 1974.
Records containing the personal data of individuals living or presumed to be living are restricted under the Data Protection Act.
Accruals
Further accruals are expected
System of arrangement
The collection has been arranged into 12 functional subfonds. Only the subfonds which have records that are currently accessible are shown online at this time. The others will be added as records are catalogued into them on a regular basis.
Y/ADM Administration
Y/COU Council, Committee and Freeman
Y/CUL Culture, Recreation and Tourism
Y/EDU Education and Training
Y/ENV Environment and Trade Regulation
Y/FIN Finance
Y/HEA Health
Y/LEG Legal
Y/ORD Public Order, Justice and Defence
Y/PPT Planning, Property and Transport
Y/SOC Social Assistance
Y/UTL Utilities
For further infomation on the development of this catalogue please visit our blog at citymakinghistory.wordpress.com
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Restricted access (Data Protection Act)
Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.
Conditions governing reproduction
Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.
Language of material
- English