Keeper of Papers 1726-1851

Keeper of Papers 1726-1851

This office was created in 1726. (fn. 1) Between 1727 and 1783 it was held by Treasury Clerks. From at least 1765 until 1806 it was a sinecure so far as the principal was concerned, the duties being executed by deputy. (fn. 2) In the latter year the Keeper was required to act in person. In 1835 the office was consolidated with the Registry and, on the resignation of the then holder in 1851, it was discontinued. (fn. 3)

The salary attached to the office in 1726 was £200. It was increased to £400 in 1762 and reduced to £200 in 1806. In 1812 a progressive scale was introduced rising after fifteen years to £350. In 1829 the salary was fixed at £300. (fn. 4)

In addition to the Keeper a number of other persons were from time to time employed to arrange Treasury papers. These included the deputy, Blake, an Extra Clerk, between 1783 and 1813 and Matthews and Moner who were engaged in the sorting and digesting of books between 1782 and 1802. In 1798 an Assistant Keeper was appointed with a salary of £40. This office lapsed in 1810 but was revived in 1820 with a salary of £100. It was discontinued in 1839. (fn. 5)

From 1802 the work of arranging current papers was entrusted to Junior Clerks on the establishment, a development which eventually gave rise to the distinct Registry Department.

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