The emerging Governance of the world’s richest trading city
The City of London is the oldest continuous municipal democracy
in the world. It predates Parliament. Its constitution is rooted in
the ancient rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens before the
Norman Conquest in 1066. The City of London developed a unique form
of government which led to the system of parliamentary government
at local and national level.
The right of the City to run its own affairs was gradually won
as concessions were gained from the Crown. London's importance as a
centre of trade, population and wealth secured it rights and
liberties earlier than other towns and cities. From medieval to
Stuart times the City was the major source of financial loans to
monarchs, who sought funds to support their policies at home and
abroad.
That London enjoyed certain freedoms and had a form of civic
administration before the Norman conquest, can be seen in the
Charter granted by William the Conqueror in 1067, in which he
promised to recognise the rights, privileges and laws that the City
had enjoyed since the time of Edward the Confessor (1042-62). In
Saxon London and in the medieval period, municipal authority rested
principally with Aldermen ('elder' men or elderfolk), who met in
the City's ancient Court of Husting - the supreme court of the
medieval City, with administrative and judicial functions. There is
reliable evidence of its existence in 1032, although it was
probably much older, and by the mid-12th century it was held
weekly. It is likely that the Court of Aldermen developed from the
administrative side of the work of the Court of Husting.
Sheriffs, Mayor
London, like other cities, was subject to the authority of the
Crown through its Sheriff - the Shirereeve or Portreeve. But in the
12th century, as a move towards civic independence, an association
of citizens under oath - the commune - was established. At the same
time the office of Mayor was created with Henry FitzAilwyn taking
office in 1189 (whether by appointment or election is unclear).
In 1191, the commune was officially recognised by Prince John,
while his brother Richard the Lionheart was away at the Crusades,
and in 1199 John, now King, granted the citizens of London the
right to elect their own Sheriffs - a particularly significant
right as the Sheriff was the King's representative through whom the
City was governed. The citizens' right to elect a Mayor annually
was granted by King John in a charter of 1215.
The commune may have been the origins of the development of
another element of local governance. Gradually, Aldermen began to
summon "wise and discreet" citizens from their wards to their
meetings for consultation on particular matters. In 1285, a group
of 40 citizens, between one and four from each Ward, was to consult
with the Aldermen on the common affairs of the City. From 1376,
this assembly had regular meetings and was known as the Common
Council. It gradually assumed greater responsibilities and the
business of the Court of Aldermen declined.
Government today
Today the Court of Common Council (100 Common
Councilmen and 25 Aldermen) governs the City of London
Corporation, the oldest continuous municipal democracy in the
world. The range of services the City provides its workers,
residents and visitors and the national and international work the
City is called upon to perform is unique. Common Council
accomplishes this work through a committee structure.
The Court of Aldermen consists of 25 Aldermen, one for each ward
of the City, elected at least every six years (separately from the
Common Councilmen elections, and not all at once). Since 1834
Common Council has been elected by the 25 wards of the City.
Elections are held every four years in March when all the seats are
up for re-election. Each ward returns between two and ten members
depending on the size of the electorate. Candidates must be freemen
of the City.
Common Council meets every fourth Thursday in the Great Hall of
Guildhall at one o’clock precisely. No member of Common Council is
paid and all are apolitical.