Its
constitution 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
finally emerged as the first independent local authority in
Britain.
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),
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.
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 government in the City.
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.
Today the
Court of Common Council is the 'town council' of the City of
London. Its work includes both the work of an ordinary local
authority council and that arising from its historical status and
tradition. It works through committees, like any other local
authority, but it is unique in that it is non-party political.
Since 1384, Common Council has been elected by
the wards of the City. Elections are held every four years in March
when all the seats are up for re-election. Each of the wards
returns between two and ten members, depending on the size of the
electorate. Candidates, men or women, must be
freemen of the City and on the electoral roll of the City of
London. Common Council members are also known as Commoners.
Common Council, presided over by the Lord
Mayor, meets every fourth Thursday in the Great Hall of Guildhall
at 1.00pm. On ceremonial occasions and at the first meeting of a
new Mayoralty, Common Councilmen wear fur-trimmed gowns of deep
blue silk.