A report on the Borough Property 1836, full title: Report of the Committee Appointed by the Council of the Borough of Bridgwater to inquire if any, and what portion, oft he corporation property could be disposed of with advantage, to enable the council to pay off the debts of the Corporation, and to take such steps as might be desirable for improving the town. Published 10 December 1836, printed by John Whitby of the Cornhill.
The committie consists of W.D. Champion, Robert Bate and Thomas Clark jun.
Includes a summary of the Council’s current annual income (just over £300, primarily in property rent and turnpike allowance.
Summary of the expenses, estimated at about £600. Additional extraordinary expenses had been incurred in outfitting the police and mace bearers, a new set of weights and measures and other things.
Notes are made on the improvements wanted for the town, including the removal of the Island up the High Street, widening of the road around South Gate as far as the Three Crowns, and a new church in that area. Next would be the removal of houses on the south side of the churchyard. Then widening of the narrow lane leading from North Gate to the school at Mount (ie Mount Street). At West End of High Street part of the Valiant Soldier Inn to be nibbled off to widen the street (hence the curve there today before Penel Orlieu).
Then follows the Borough Property 1836 split between those to be sold, demolished or retained.
This report was prompted by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835