2-791-714 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Common Council Chamber at Guildhall, 1844. All-male meeting of officials of the City of London. 'The Court of Common Council consists, first, of the Aldermen (including the Lord Mayor), and secondly, of the Commons, or Common Councilmen, in all 206. They are elected by the 26 wards, excluding Bridge Without...the candidate must be a householder of the ward for which he declares; he must also be a freeman. The Alderman of the ward is the presiding officer at the election...it is the legislative body of the corporation, and in that capacity enjoys an unusual degree of power, such as that of making important alterations in the constitution of the latter; that it dispenses the funds, manages the landed property, has the care of the bridges, and of the Thames navigation, with many other powers and trusts'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.