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line from their station in the Borough to London Bridge, and
for that purpose to make very extensive excavations in Borough
High Street. When the Bill was in the House of Commons the
Vestry merely presented a public petition against its being passed
into law; but on the serious character of the measure being brought
before the Authority, when the Bill was about to be introduced into
the House of Lords, and the fact that it would authorize the Company
to make large openings in Borough High Street for a very considerable
period of time during the construction of the line, the Vestry resolved
to present a petition against the [measure, and to take active steps to
prevent its passing into law.
Parliamentary Agents were employed, and other preparations
made for a thorough opposition to the Bill before the Committee of
the House, in case the Company did not comply with the requirements
of the Vestry to insert clauses limiting the length of time during
which the openings were to continue, and making certain provisions
for the protection of the public, and the reduction of the size of the
openings. An important matter connected with the Bill was the
stability of St. George's Church. The Company proposed to make
a very large excavation within a short distance of the foundations of
the Church, and it was felt that some provisions ought to be inserted
in the Bill for placing the responsibity of any damage that might
ensue, upon the Company.
After considerable correspondence, the Company practically
agreed to the whole of the requirements of the Vestry. Clauses
were thereupon drafted and inserted in the Bill, embodying the
agreement thus arrived at, and the Vestry have every reason to congratulate
the Parish upon the concessions obtained.
Long Lane Improvement.
Much gratification was felt in the early part of the year
1896, when it became known that the London County
Council were proposing to take steps for the carrying out
of an extensive improvement in Long Lane and Tabard Street,
whereby Long Lane would be widened, Tabard Street continued
through St. George's Churchyard to the Borough, and the congestion
of traffic opposite the Church considerably lessened. After discussing
the matter for several months, the County Council, on the 30th June,