In his "Extracts from the Portsmouth Records", the author Robert East describes the composition of the Town Council of Portsmouth from the date of its governing charter in 1531 until the enaction of the Municipal Corporations Act in 1836. Particularly relevant to this section of the site is his explanation of the origins and roles of the Burgesses. He says:-
"The term Burgess as applied to members of all ancient Corporations appears to be but imperfectly understood. This name given by charters granted at various times, was not applicable to the payer of Scot and Lot as at present but to an elected member of the Corporation. The burgess held a position in the Corporation somewhat similar to that of the present Councillor, but differing greatly in power and priviledges....
"The ancient Corporation of Portsmouth....consisted of a Bailiff, or Mayor, and an indefinite number of Burgesses: to these twelve mayor's assistants....were added. The mayor and mayor's assistants were elected annually, and the burgesses for life, or during good behaviour.
"By the charter of Charles I, the term Mayor's Assistant fell into disuse, a new designation, that of Alderman, being given. The Aldermen were elected for life, and any vacancy occurring on the Aldermanic bench was filled by a majority of the Aldermen nominating and electing one of the burgesses"
There were no qualifications for becoming a burgess, not even residency in the town. They could follow any trade or profession. Burgesses took little part in the daily management of the Corporation but did take part in the election of the Mayor and, more importantly, in the election of the Members of Parliament who were therefore representatives of the Corporation rather than of the inhabitants of the town. The whole political hierarchy was therefore self-serving, a fact noted by the Royal Commissioners in 1835 who reported "Almost all the councils named in the charters are established on the principle of self-election"
The Members of the Town Council of Portsmouth (1531-1835)
The Mayors from 1531-1835 - included on the full list to 2005
The Aldermen (1531-1835) - including the Mayor's Assistants (1531-1628)
The Burgesses (1531-1835)
Tim Backhouse, June 2008