Superintendent of the Registry 1835-70

The functions later assumed by the Registry Department appear originally to have been undertaken by the Keeper of Papers. Probably as a result of the lack of an effective principal in that office in the latter part of the eighteenth century the arrangements for dealing with the increasing volume of papers proved inadequate. To remedy this situation provision was made for a register book, containing details of the current business of the office, to be compiled by a Junior Clerk. In 1804 a room was set aside for use as a Registry. In 1805 two Assistant Clerks were assigned to it. (fn. 1) In 1830 the department was placed under the supervision of the junior Chief Clerk. In 1831 it was given additional responsibilities in connection with the minutes and its establishment was fixed at one Assistant, one Junior and two Extra Clerks. (fn. 2)

In 1835 the Registry was consolidated with the office of Keeper of Papers and placed under a Superintendent selected from amongst the Assistant Clerks with an additional allowance of £100. Under his authority were placed the Keeper of Papers, three Extra Clerks and a Messenger. (fn. 3) Further modifications in the establishment and functions of the department were made in 1840, 1841 and 1849. (fn. 4) In 1856 it was placed under a First Class Clerk as Superintendent, and its responsibilities were extended to include copying. (fn. 5) In 1868 the post of Superintendent was made a distinct office with a salary scale of £700 rising by annual increments of £25 to £1000. (fn. 6)

LIST OF APPOINTMENTS

Footnotes