Cambridgeshire Libraries Publications, 1994, Softcover, Book Condition: As New, First

On the eve of another local government re-organisation, parish councils celebrate 100 years of their history. The Local Government Act 1894, which set up parish councils, was hailed as the "Charter of the Peasants' Liberty". It would abolish patronage and banish privilege. For the rule of the few, it would substitute the responsibility of the many. How far have these high hopes been justified in practice? In this book Kenneth Batcheler shows what really happened, the serious and some of the funny moments, in one county Cambridgeshire. He begins by looking at the early years in the life of parish councils and then turns his attention to particular aspects of their work, such as fire, drainage and sanitation, water supply, lighting and transport. Although all the high romantic hopes may not have been fully realised, Mr. Batcheler shows that parish councils have grown through the years in importance and in influence, as an essential part of our democratic system of government. The text is enlivened by photographs, cartoons and posters from the Cambridgeshire Collection. Size: Octavo (standard book size). 106 pages. no Dust Jacket as published.. Blue titles spine. illustrated by b/w. photo's.. Includes bibliography, index & appendices;. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 250 grams. Category: Genealogy & Local History; Parish Councils; Cambridgeshire; East Anglia; England; Twentieth Century; Politics & Government. ISBN: 1870724682. ISBN/EAN: 9781870724685. Inventory No: 3080.