Published by Primary Source Microfilm

"Very few libraries have these official sessional volumes of Acts in their original form as issued by the King's or Queen's printer. Yet they remain of the first importance to historical and legal researchers who wish to study the output of Parliament in its time, untouched by the tidying up of later editors. The ready accessibility of this source material is long overdue and most welcome." -- Victor Tunkel, Secretary of the Selden Society

Prior to 1801 the publication of much of Britain's legislation was left to private enterprise. Thereafter, official sessional (later annual) volumes were issued and became known as the King's (Queen's) Printer's copies.

Very few libraries have these official sessional volumes of Acts in their original form as issued by the King's or Queen's printer. They are a primary source of important information to historical and legal researchers studying the output of Parliament during this period, as they are untouched by the editing of later printers.

This series contains only the authoritative and unannotated versions following the form of the bill as passed in Parliament. These key documents allow researchers to trace the history of a piece of legislation, to examine repealed Acts as well as Acts in force, and to see complete and authentic texts of the Public General Acts.

All subjects are covered. There are Acts concerning the licensing of ale houses and disorder within them, the regulation of aliens, corporal punishment, American and the West Indies, the East India Company, urban development, the employment and status of women, trade and industry, friendly societies, religious worship, public meetings, processions and elections.

A detailed introduction by Victor Tunkel, secretary of the Selden Society, discusses all aspects of Public General Acts, and analyzes the confusion caused by differing editions during this period. To aid rapid reference, the Annual Indexes and Tables of Statuses passed have been reproduced at the front of each volume. A printed guide accompanies the collection.

Part One: 1801-1845
601 fiche

Part Two: 1846-1922
766 fiche

Complete Collection: 1,367 fiche