Records of the Civic Functions of the Mayors of Bath

The first documented reference to a mayor is 1230, and the role continues today - though in a rather different form and with very reduced responsibilities.

From the medieval period to the early nineteenth century the mayor was the most powerful figure in the Corporation, effectively both chief executive and chief justice. His executive power was reduced during the nineteenth century and his judicial role came to an end; however, he was still a significant figure through his position as chair of the Council, until the local government reorganisation of 1996 which created Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Throughout this period, the mayor also had a ceremonial and civic role: he or she represented and promoted the city at engagements, received and entertained distinguished visitors, supported citizens and the local community in a number of ways, and led appeals for funds for a wide range of causes. As a figurehead for the city, he or she also received a number of requests for intervention in personal matters. This aspect of the Mayoral role continues to the present day: the Bath Charter Trustees were set up in 1996 to maintain the traditions and functions of the Mayor and hold historic and ceremonial property. All the members of Bath & North East Somerset Council who represent wards within the city of Bath are members of the Charter Trustees, and the Mayor is elected annually from among the trustees. He or she is an ambassador for the city, promoting Bath nationally and internationally, and supporting the local community.

The records in this sub-fonds relate to the mayors' ceremonial and civic role. They include a wide range of material, such as appeals for subscriptions, records relating to Bath and royalty, the mayors' attendance at functions and engagements, and presentations to members of the public. They also include significant material relating to both the First World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945), the International Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862, and the Bath Pageant of 1909; other items of note are the minutes of the 'American War Committee' of 1782, and of the 'Bath Loyal Association' of 1792-1793.

The records are arranged as follows:
BC/9/1 Minutes and Accounts of the American War Committee
BC/9/2 Bath Loyal Association records
BC/9/3 Records of funding and subscription appeals
BC/9/4 Records of the Mayors of Bath relating to royalty
BC/9/5 Scrap books relating to the civic functions of the Mayors of Bath
BC/9/6 Mayors of Bath: Business Files
BC/9/7 Files relating to the Mayor of Bath's civic functions during the First World War
BC/9/8 Papers relating to the funerals of civic dignitaries
BC/9/9 Records relating to International Exhibitions
BC/9/10 Records relating to the Bath Pageant of 1909
BC/9/11 Records of Presentations of the Mayor of Bath's long-service medal
BC/9/12 Mayor of Bath's Visitors Books
BC/9/13 Miscellaneous records