Edinburgh Water Company

Printed volume relating to the Edinburgh Water Company, and containing the following manuscript items:
1. Copies of letters between James A.Balfour, clerk to the Edinburgh Water Company, and Richard Mackenzie, Writer to the Signet, of Abercromby Place. 4-6 Dec, 1844. (2 leaves. 12" x 7").
2. Copy of a report to the Parliamentary Commissioners under the Edinburgh Water Company Acts of Parliament regarding the Company's accounts from 11 Nov 1843 to 11 Nov 1844, prepared by Robert Christie, accountant, of 26, St.Andrew Square, Edinburgh, at the request of the Commissioners. The report was made on 28 Dec 1844, and presented to them on 8 Jan 1845. (4 leaves. 12" x 7").
3. Copy of the report of the Law Committee on the above report, signed by John Brown, Chairman of the Committee, 5 Feb 1845. (6 leaves. 12" x 7").
4. Copy of a report of an adjourned meeting of the Parliamentary Commissioners held on 8th February 1845. (2 leaves. 12" x 7").
5. Summons of reduction by the Edinburgh Water Company against the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and others: printed form of citation completed in manuscript and signed by Robert Gordon, messenger-at-arms, on 3 May 1845. (Single sheet. 4½" x 7").

In 1846 the council unanimously agreed to petition Parliament for the formation of a public water supply company - the Edinburgh and Leith Water Company - in order to ensure an adequate supply of water to the inhabitants. The situation was so bad that people were talking about water famine. During 1850 the first water pipes were laid not by a new water company as the council had initially wanted, but by the Edinburgh Water Company. The first water began to flow in January of 1847.

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

The manuscripts are bound in a Goldsmiths' Library volume lettered 'Water Supply of Edinburgh - 1844-46' (Ref: G.L. Cat. 33895, 33905, 34343, 34346, 34356, 34357, 34411, 34808).

Collection level description.

Shown, where relevant, in the Scope and Content.

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.