ABSTRACT
From the 1830s onwards dramatic changes took place within local government. The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 established the principle of councils being elected by rate-payers, although in those days ‘ratepayer’ meant a man with property. New corporations were formed – both Birmingham and Manchester were incorporated in 1838 – and they set about establishing large bureaucracies for themselves, which needed accommodation. The Birmingham and Manchester corporations both built new town halls, with space inside for a great chamber, mayoral rooms and administrative offices.
