Sub-fonds KL/SE - Borough Surveyor and Engineer

When the Public Health Act 1872 was presented before the Council they decided the Paving Commissioners were virtually abrogated by the act. They decided to take the responsibilities on themselves which saw the Paving Commissioners surveyor brought into Borough control. The duties of the Surveyor were reclassified in 1923 which saw the end of the ability of the Surveyor to take on private jobs. See KL/TC 1/21 p559-560.

The Borough Surveyor also had a number of additional roles throughout different points in time. They were responsible for the town waterworks. They also acted as superintendent of the fire brigade.

The role continued until the Borough Council was dissolved in 1974.

John Hall – 1880’s to September 1883
Worked for the Paving Commissioners as their surveyor.
DOB 1810 (Lynn, Norfolk)

E.G. Mawbrey – September 1883 to August 1887
Worked in Market Harborough. Went on to be City Surveyor of York.

Edward John Silcock – August 1887 to June 1898
Appointed on 15th June 1887. Was Surveyor in Leeds.
Resignation accepted on 9th March 1898 but on the understanding, he would continue for 3 months as Surveyor. He would, however, carry on with the Waterworks and Sewerage schemes that were underway.
Appointed as City Engineer of Norwich in August 1892. (see KL/C 7/23 p605-6)
DOB 1862 (Stalham, Norfolk)

Henry James Weaver – July 1898 to July 1905
Worked in Gloucester before coming to King’s Lynn.
DOB 1869 (Gloucestershire)

Joe H. Webb – 1905 to December 1910
Worked as Assistant Surveyor of King’s Norton Urban District Council.
DOB 1863 (Stourbridge, Worcestershire)

Alfred John Smith – January 1911 to October 1923
Originally from King’s Lynn (according to 1911 census). Worked as Engineer and Surveyor to the Urban District Council of Caversham.
Asked the Streets, Buildings and Markets Committee to sanction his commission into the Royal Engineers, on the same terms as those offered by the Corporation. On 27/10/1915 it was resolved to comply with the request but to keep him in post for as long as possible. He returned to his post after the war.
He resigned to become Borough Surveyor for Thornaby-on-Tees on 12/09/1923.
The duties of the Surveyor were reclassified after his departure. See KL/TC 1/21 p559-560.

R. A. Newstead – Acting Borough Surveyor 03/05/1917- 06/03/1919 (then appointed deputy)

John Caunter Matthew – November 1923 to July 1942
Worked in Chelmsford prior to taking the post.
Resigned in July 1942 citing poor health for his departure.

Horace George Ridler – July 1942 to March 1974
Was working as Deputy Borough Surveyor and appointed as acting Borough Surveyor on 8th July 1942 following the resignation of J.C. Matthew.