IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0074 O/579
Held at: London Metropolitan Archives
Title: WESTMINSTER BRIDGE INQUISITIONS
Date(s): 1739-1746
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 0.33 linear metres
Name of creator(s): Westminster Bridge Commissioners
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
A Bill to enable a bridge to be constructed across the Thames from Westminster to Lambeth became law in May 1736. Commissioners to oversee the project were appointed with powers to acquire land and clear property to make way for the bridge. On the Westminster side, streets were very narrow and the land ownership pattern was very complex with many leases and subleases. Juries were thus necessary to decide on acquisition and compensation. Construction began in 1738 and the bridge was opened in 1750.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Documents relating to the Westminster Bridge inquisitions, 1739-1746. The documents relate to the acquisition of land in Westminster. For each case there is a precept for summoning a jury, a list of jurymen and their resulting inquisition. The list records the general location of the property and the owner or leaseholder concerned.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
Twenty six documents in chronological order.
Conditions governing access:
Available for general access.
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copyright to these records rests with the Corporation of London.
Physical characteristics:
Fit
Finding aids:
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
Gifted to the Archive in January 1959.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Related material:
Other records of the Westminster Bridge Commissioners can be found at reference B/CWB.
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Date(s) of descriptions: November 2009 to February 2010