Derry Corporation Minute Book Volume 9 (1780-1793)

This volume of Derry Corporation minutes covers the period from 4th March 1780 to 14th September 1793.

The discussions in the Chamber during this period included allocation of Corporation member salaries, the granting of Freedoms of the City, issues concerning land and rights of way, grants for the poor of the city, and the building of a bridge over the River Foyle.

The final pages in the volume detail those granted the Freedom of the City during this period.

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Highlights from Volume 9

In April 1780, the volume begins by allocating salaries for the following year, including £250 0s 0d to the Mayor, £20 0s 0d to the Armourer and £5 0s 0d to the Clock-keeper.  A list is also made of those to whom charity shall be given; it includes a number of references to widows of previous Aldermen and Burgesses.

A number of references and recommendations are also made throughout the volume concerning the granting of the Freedom of the City including details of The Right Honourable, James Earl of Charlemont, the Earl of Carlisle, and Andrew Knox of Prehen.

During 1782, grants of land and rights of way are also discussed which involve consultation with the Irish Society and the regular drawing up of leases and legal agreements.

Towards the end of 1782 it was ordered that a grant of £200 shall be supplied to a new committee which will be instructed to purchase meal for the city’s poor.

On 29 August 1788, the Council was called together to view a model of a wooden bridge which was proposed to be built over the river Foyle.  The model had been produced by a Sherriff Mitchell and it was unanimously approved.  By March 1789 a further plan was proposed which included estimates of costs of £10,000 for the wooden bridge.  Temporary toll gates would be built at either side of the bridge, thirty two globe lamps would also be purchased for the bridge.

On the 25 November details are discussed concerning a ‘riot’ on the bridge which resulted in damage to the toll gates and the Collector of the toll been driven away and prevented from carrying out his duty.

On 4 December 1792 details are discussed concerning the Port of Londonderry, and the ‘Directions to be observed by the Quay Master’ - which included references to the lighting of fires, transportation of materials, and damage caused by anchors or ships.