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Local Government

1954 , Norwich (Norfolk)

Cat no. 639

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The history of local politics, focussing on the city of Norwich

The film tells the story of local government from early settlements to the creation of the Ministry of Health in 1919. The whole film is shot on a rostrum camera. It uses Norwich as an example and illustrates the story with a continuous series of pictures. Some of these are stills of the Bayeaux tapestry and of Hogarth engravings; most are drawn for the film. The story of local government begins pre-Norman invasion with local people meeting round the village well to discuss local affairs. The Normans introduced the King's Officer to control local affairs. Richard I sold the City a Charter, needing the cash to finance his military adventures. This led to the creation of the office of Borough Reeve and the foundation of the Common Assembly. By the 14th century the City was employing a Recorder, 2 Chamberlains, a common sergeant, an attorney, a lawman, treasurers, 4 keepers of the keys and a warden of the ditches and walls, all salaried posts. The new Charter, sold to the City in the 15th century ceated the Alderman and an assembly of 80 councillors. William Appleyard became the first Mayor of Norwich. The Guildhall was built to house this new assembly. The role of the Council was limited. They instigated an apprenticeship scheme and until the introduction of the Elizabethan Poor Law instigate their own methods for dealing with the large numbers of unemployed that crowded into the city. The film covers the age of corruption and 'political careerists' depicted by Hogarth.During the 19th century reform of local government followed reform of parliament. These changes included controlling elections and introducing a new structure. Norwich now had a Mayor, a Sheriff, 16 Aldermen and 48 councillors. Many local services were still conducted by private bodies. Tolls were collected by Turnpike Trusts, funerals were controlled by the Burials Board, river dues were collected by the River Commissioners and three different boards of commissioners were responsible for paving, watching, lighting and cleaning the streets. In 1871, the creation of the Local Government Board brought these services within the control of local councils and in 191 the creation of the Ministry of Health co-ordinated the roles of councils in their provision of schools, libraries, health services and other amenities.

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Local Government.

Keywords

Civic government; local politics

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Local Government

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