| Description | Under an Act of 1762 (CLA/6), commissioners who were either members of the city Corporation or representatives of the city wards were appointed with powers to control Chester's lighting, to appoint nightwatchmen and to provide a fire service in Chester. Guardians of the poor were also appointed. These powers were extended under an Act of 1803. Following the Municipal Corporations Act, 1835, the police powers of the commissioners were transferred to the Watch Committee of Chester City Council in February 1836. The commissioners' other powers were transferred to the City Council in December 1837. The collection comprises a nightwatchmen's patrol book, 1783; and commissioners' minute and account books. |