Oxford-Burcot Commission

The first Commission concerned with the management of the River Thames was the Oxford-Burcot Commission, appointed by Act of Parliament of 1605 by James I to make the stretch of river from Burcot to Oxford navigable. The Commission took responsibility for the management of the River Thames between Oxford and Burcot. It consisted of 18 members, including a representative each from Oxford city and from the University. However its work was irregular and by 1611 it had ceased altogether.

A second strenthened Act of Parliament in 1623 allowed for the appointment of 8 commissioners of sewers. This was also known as the Oxford-Burcot Commission. It had the power to tax Oxford city and the university, to clean the river and to install locks and weirs. However, its work was slow and costly and the first barge did not reach Oxford until 1635.

Consequently Thames Navigation Commissioners were appointed in 1751 by a further Act of Parliament under King George II in 1751. This Commission had similar powers but covered the entire length of the Thames down to Staines.

Reference: 'Communications', A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 4: The City of Oxford (1979), pp. 284-95.