Cork Wide Streets Commissioners (WSC)
The archive of the WSC was transferred to the Archives in 1998 and 1999 by Cork Corporation (today Cork City Council).
The WSC was Cork's first planning authority, created in response to narrow and poorly paved streets which impeded trade and commerce. It was established in c1765 and was active in the early to mid 1800s. It was abolished by the Cork Improvement Act 1852 and its' functions and powers were transferred to Cork Corporation.
The surviving archive from the WSC comprises the following:
WSC/A Maps Plans and Drawings c1820 - 1850s (1872), 81 items. Mainly pen and ink map area surveys relating to work of the Commissioners in various sections of the City where the widening or improvement of streets is proposed.
WSC/B Inquisitions and Judgements on Inquisitions, 1824 – 1851, 50 items. This series comprises legalistic documents including Inquisitions by Jury into valuations of property as requested by the Cork Wide Streets Commissioners. Many also contain a map of the properties in question. Also Judgements on Inquisitions by Cork Wide Streets Commissioners with orders and decrees regarding each valuation.
View the detailed descriptive list of the WSC archive collection
The maps and plans (A) provide a partial visual record of certain areas across the city. There are also smaller maps and plans of particular properties and areas in the Inquisition and Judgement series (B).
The Inquisition and Judgement series (B) contains the names, and often the signatures, of several hundred people including officials, jurors and witnesses and are useful for local and family history.
View the detailed descriptive list of the WSC archive collection