ABSTRACT
The beginnings of city government in Glasgow can be traced to the period following the conferment of burghal status in the late twelfth century, and by the thirteenth century general burgh law and practice was well established. The number of town councillors in the seventeenth century was 25, comprising 13 from the merchant ranks and 12 from the craftsmen. The town clerk was the most important paid official but others included a procurator, townherds, minstrels, sergeants, city ministers and schoolmasters. Seven years after the first Police Board was established it was charged by statute with the duty of fire-fighting in the city. The pumping engines were pulled to the fires by the firemen and water for them was carried from wells or the river until such time as the city received a pumped water supply to enable fire-cocks to be installed in some streets. The city fathers also sought to provide for the intellectual needs of the populace.
