Principal Clerks 1854-70

Principal Clerks 1854-70

Although it was employed for the first time to describe a specific grade only in 1856 the term 'Principal Clerk' had been in use in the Treasury long before this date. In the eighteenth century the term was virtually interchangeable with that of Chief Clerk. In the nineteenth century, on the other hand, it was usually employed to describe the new offices of Clerk Assistant (1815), Auditor of the Civil List (1831) and Clerk for Colonial Business (1832). None of these officers was directly involved in the work of the divisions. In 1854, however, a Principal Clerk of Finance was appointed who, while ranking with these Clerks, had specific responsibility for a division. (fn. 1) This development, therefore, to some extent foreshadowed the creation in 1856 of a new grade of Principal Clerks. Provision was then made for four such Clerks, each of whom was given responsibility for a division. (fn. 2)

The salary attached to the grade in 1856 was £1000 rising by annual increments of £50 to £1200. (fn. 3) In view of their special circumstances, however, two successive Principal Clerks of the Finance Division were appointed at fixed salaries of £1500. (fn. 4)

LIST OF APPOINTMENTS