Taxor
A Taxor was a representative of the
These posts have not been filled since 1856.Historical background
Since the 13th century the University had special privileges and jurisdiction to control aspects of life in the town. Matters relating to morality and discipline were managed by Proctors[3] and those relating to trade were managed by Taxors, whose responsibilities included:[4]
- Licensing of Alehouses and Lodging-houses
- Fixing the rent of scholar's lodgings and the price of bread
- Examining and sealing weights and measures, confiscating any that were defective[5]
- Administering Stourbridge fair (until 1589)
By the first half of the nineteenth century Benthamite reform had transformed the role of the borough and increasingly the trade and financial privileges of the University caused friction between "town and gown",[6] with the town's deputy High Steward declaring in 1842 that supervision of weights and measures by Taxors was "quite inadequate for the purpose at the present day."[5]
In 1853-4, conflict between the growing jurisdiction of magistrates' courts and the historical duties of the University
References
- ^ "Votes for Proctors, Taxors and Scrutators (1684–1861)". Cambridge University Archives. Retrieved 22 March 2009.
- ^ "Records of and relating to Taxors (1607–1856)". Cambridge University Archives. Retrieved 22 March 2009.
- ^ J. P. C. Roach, ed. (1959). "The archives of the University of Cambridge". A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely. Vol. 3. pp. 327–329. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ J. P. C. Roach, ed. (1959). "Town and gown". A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely. Vol. 3. p. 83 (Trade). Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-10-510024-9. Retrieved 31 March 2009.
- ^ J. P. C. Roach, ed. (1959). "Town and gown". A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely. Vol. 3. p. 84 (Finance). Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ISBN 978-0-10-510024-9. Retrieved 22 March 2009.