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Fonds

Stratford-upon-Avon Borough Sessions, 1602-?1856

Catalogue reference: BRT4

What’s it about?

This record is about the Stratford-upon-Avon Borough Sessions, 1602-?1856 dating from c1600-1856.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Full description and record details

Reference

BRT4

Title

Stratford-upon-Avon Borough Sessions, 1602-?1856

Date

c1600-1856

Description
Description available at other catalogue level
Held by
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Language

English, Latin

Creator(s)
<corpname>Stratford-upon-Avon Quarter Sessions, 1602-?1856</corpname>
Administrative / biographical background

The charter of 1553 named the bailiff and chief alderman Justices of the Peace. Although they had no powers to hold Quarter Sessions, counsel's opinion when taken was favourable and from 1602 Quarter Sessions were held before the bailiff and chief alderman plus a jury made up of the Common Council.

The charter of 1610 named the Recorder, Bailiff and Chief Alderman as Justices of the Peace with the right to hold Quarter Sessions in the borough and their jurisdiction extended over Old Stratford. The 1664 charter increased the number of Justices to five and the town clerk or his deputy was to join them in holding sessions; the mayor, town clerk or deputy to be of the quorum.

The concurrent jurisdiction of the County Sessions at Warwick, established at least by 1680, took away much of the usefulness of the Borough Sessions and the records from 1745 frequently note that the proceedings were adjourned for lack of business. From 1817 only the Michaelmas sessions were held.

Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/8010e012-e9f6-46fd-abda-76ca42fa20fd/

Catalogue hierarchy

91,200 records

This record is held at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

You are currently looking at the fonds: BRT4

Stratford-upon-Avon Borough Sessions, 1602-?1856