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The Common Hall on Corporation Reform, in Guildhall, 1856. Creator: Henry Fitzcook
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The Common Hall on Corporation Reform, in Guildhall, 1856. Creator: Henry Fitzcook
The Common Hall on Corporation Reform, in Guildhall, [London], 1856. Political meeting...to oppose the London Corporation Bill....the proceedings commenced by the Serjeant-at-Mace calling out that those who were not liverymen were to leave the hall on pain of imprisonment - an announcement which was received with loud laughter. The Lord Mayor then stood forward, and said...the bill which was now before the House of Commons...struck at the root of their ancient and valuable privileges....although the bill professed to widen the electoral basis of the Corporation, in other respects it was a total extinction of those rights which they had possessed for many years past...the bill had been called a moderate measure. That moderation was...the moderation of the pickpocket, who stole a man's purse and then thought him well off that he left him his hat and coat...'.
From "Illustrated London News", 1856
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Media ID 36320664
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "The Common Hall on Corporation Reform, in Guildhall, London, 1856," by Henry Fitzcook, offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in London's political history. The image depicts a crowded Common Hall, where a heated debate was taking place regarding the London Corporation Bill. The reform bill, which aimed to widen the electoral basis of the Corporation, was met with fierce opposition from the liverymen, who felt their ancient privileges were under threat. The scene begins with the Serjeant-at-Mace calling out for those who were not liverymen to leave the hall, an announcement that was met with laughter from the crowd. The Lord Mayor then stepped forward, expressing his concern that the bill would "strike at the root of their ancient and valuable privileges," despite its professed moderation. He compared the bill's moderation to that of a pickpocket, who steals a man's purse but leaves him his hat and coat. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the intense debates and tensions surrounding the London Corporation Reform Bill of 1856. The image captures the spirit of the liverymen, who were determined to protect their long-held privileges, and the significance of the moment as they gathered to voice their opposition to the proposed legislation. The photograph is an invaluable historical record of a pivotal moment in London's political history and a testament to the enduring power of community and tradition.
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