Records of the Bath Bill 1866

Records created or gathered by the Town Clerk during the development of the Bath Bill 1866.
The proposed Bath Bill 1866 although primarily focused on the expansion of the city water supply by the tapping of a large number of springs and the construction of several small reservoirs in the parishes of St. Catherine's, Marshfield and Cold Ashton, had a wider scope than just waterworks. It included clauses for the acquisition of the Freeman's Estate, the protection of parks, street and highway improvements, street naming, regulation of buildings, sewerage, powers to create bye-laws, policing, licencing, slaughter-houses, markets, burials, rating, finance, and contracting.
This Bill initially failed to comply with the standing orders of Parliament and was dismissed, a second attempt did not receive the full support of the Corporation and was therefore not proceeded with.
These records include: correspondence between the Town Clerk and local land owners concerning the proposals for the Bill; the Bill as submitted to Parliament; plans of the intended scheme of waterworks; supporting documentation for the Bill including, lists of landowners and occupiers affected by the Bill, estimates of expenses, declarations, and reports; compensation agreements; and complaints and investigations into non compliance with Parliamentary standing orders.