Catalogue description Police Commissioners of Oldham

The records consist mainly of minute books, rate books, nuisance notice books, and other miscellaneous records

Photocopying of these records might be permitted, depending on their size and condition. Please see a member of staff.

The General Rate Books, B-PCO/2/6-11,13-16, are available on microfilm (MF-G16 & 17)

Acc 2005-290 (B-PCO/1/7)

Acc 2005-291 (B-PCO/4/12-13)

The Police or Improvement Commissioners of Oldham were formed by an Act of Parliament in 1826. Under the Act everyone owning property worth more than £50 a year or paying a yearly rent of £30 or more could become a commissioner. In 1848 there were 360 residents empowered to sit as a commissioner. The commissioners had extensive powers under the Act to improve the town and regulate nuisances. They could raise rates, and were responsible for sanitation; repair of highways (other than turnpike roads); the lighting of streets; control of the police; and management of the Fire Brigade.

However, the commissioners were not a success, and consequently the commissioners were replaced in 1849 by the newly formed Borough of Oldham under a charter of incorporation