The evolution of the English building regulations 1840-1914.

This thesis sets out to analyse the growth of the building regulations in this country during their most formative years in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The originality of the study is that it is the first complete history of the regulations. The study concentrates upon the regulations which relate primarily to building design and construction. Particular emphasis is placed on the national trend, as exemplified by the Model Building By-laws in conjunction with the influential role played by the London Building Acts. Reference is also made, by way of illumination, to the content and implementation of various local building acts and by-laws. The pressures which affected the building regulations - from society from more complex buildings, new building types and new materials for example - are all duly assessed. As a result the work reflects upon a number of lesser known facets of the Victorian building world. The material used has included the Acts and By-laws themselves, commentaries and opinions contained in contemporary journals papers and reports, as well as the discussion in Parliamentary debate and at the meetings of the Professional bodies. The first three chapters describe i three separate routes into the subject : the sanitary reform movements the legislation in London, and provincial activities. The sequence of chapters then proceeds chronologically, alternating between London and the Provinces highlighting the principal London regulations of 18449 1855 and 1894 and the Model By-laws of 18581 1877 and 1890. The intervening amending Acts and modifications to the By-laws are also included. The principal technical details are collated, tabulated and connecting links established between them. The study provides, in addition to the detailed documentation and historical interpretation evidence of the factors which have determined the form of our present building regulations.