Borough Chamberlain for Portsmouth 1880's

[Canuk]

I have discovered an ancestor called Joseph PORTWAY who was the Municipal Borough Chamberlain for Portsmouth, Hants. in the 1880's.  Prior to that he was a Master Draper at 43 Queen Street, Portsmouth. 

Now, I know what a Royal Chamberlain does, but does anybody know what the Chamberlain for Portsmouth would have done?  Does that position still exist?  Was it prestigious?

Does anybody have any references where I could find out about this position, especially if it is specifically to Portsmouth?

Thanks a million

[Little Nell]

Hi Penny,

Welcome to RootsChat.

I don't know if the position of borough chamberlain was unique to Portsmouth, but I found this on a site about Portsmouth in the 18th century:

The civil government, by a succession of charters, of which the last was conferred by Charles 1, is vested in a mayor, twelve aldermen, and an indefinite number of burgesses, assisted by a recorder, town clerk, chamberlain, harbour master., sergeants at mace, and subordinate officers. The mayor is elected by the aldermen and burgesses; the former fill up vacancies in their own body, and elect the burgesses. The mayor, the late mayor, and three aldermen chosen for that purpose, are justices of the peace.

I suspect that the Portsmouth City Museum could give you the definitive answer.  Click here to go to their enquiries page.

Nell

[Canuk]

Thanks.  I try that.