The mayoral role has changed radically since Tudor times when mayors could arrest those who disturbed the peace and people carrying weapons at fairs and even search premises where unlawful gaming went on. By the 17th century a mayor could also expect to hold the posts of Chief Magistrate, Borough Coroner, Keeper of the Borough Gaol, and Admiral of the Port.
However, the first Municipal Corporation Acts of 1835 restricted and regulated by statute the extent of mayoral influence and so, today, the mayoral role is mainly:
- Ceremonial - the Mayor chairs the council, is the borough's First Citizen and an elected representative of the Crown. He is second only to the Lord Lieutenant. Traditionally, the Mayor also becomes honorary President of local organisations such as the Race Equality Council
- Charitable - the Mayor is responsible for raising money for good causes that help local people. In 1973 the council of the London Borough of Waltham Forest registered a borough charity for the "benefit of the citizens of Waltham Forest". Each year the new Mayor becomes Chair of the Trustees and principal fund raiser within the borough
Today's modern Mayor of Waltham Forest is one in a long line of councillors who have undertaken to promote civic fellowship, encouraged social cohesion and civic pride, set an example through public duty, and been the focus for the borough's educational and economic aims whilst also supporting the charitable institutions of the borough. With all these things today's Mayor is not only a symbol of open society and authority but more importantly, he is a symbol of continuity and therefore public confidence.
The Town Hall
Granted borough status in 1929, Walthamstow's Grade II listed Town Hall was built in 1938 following a competition to find the best design. The winner of the £500 prize was architect Phillip Hepworth who used Portland Stone for the Town Hall and the Assembly Hall. Incorporated into Hepworth's design were five carved figures by sculptor Francis Cavanagh (a pupil of Henry Moore) that were intended as a tribute to William Morris who was born in Waltham Forest in 1834 and who became honorary godfather to Rudyard Kipling.
The 1930's were difficult years for the borough since war-time restrictions meant that plywood panelling was used for the committee rooms rather than oak, terrazo was used in the foyer instead of marble, and Francis Cavanagh's design for a 20ft x 4ft frieze in the main entrance had to be scrapped altogether, so the citizens of the borough never saw Hepworth or Cavanagh's magnificent vision as the artists intended.
Today, the Town Hall is a hive of activity and a "living building" that has grown and evolved to accommodate the changing needs of those who work within its walls. The historic council chamber is no longer a court room, and the war rooms in the basement are used to store documents. TV crews regularly hire the committee rooms and corridors for filming, whilst the superb acoustics of the Assembly Hall have attracted international recording stars like Placido Domingo, Jessye Norman, and the late Sir Yehudi Menuhin.
Phillip Hepworth's stunning Town Hall design still holds a secret for citizens of the future to uncover. Concealed beneath the coat of arms foundation stone at the main entrance (laid on October 19th 1938 by Mayor Mrs C McEntee J.P.) is an airtight chamber containing a casket of documents that detail the citizen's hopes and plans for the future together with keepsakes of their time.
Contact us
To contact the Mayor's Office please use the details below.
You can also use our general feedback form. Please state when submitting this form that the information is for the attention of the Mayor's Office.
Mayor's Office
Waltham Forest Town
Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
Tel
020 8496 4399
Email mayor@walthamforest.gov.uk
