The Local Government Act of 1894 created elected parish councils in places with a population of 300 or more, and allowed them to be created for those in the 100-299 range. These new councils took over the civil responsibilities of parish vestries before 1894. Until 1930 they were empowered to collect the poor rate. A copy of Macmorran and Dill's commentary on the act, 'The Local Government Act 1894' (London 1896) is available.

The Record Office library also contains a number of books and guides published to help parish councillors conduct their business, including R.C.Maxwell's 'Parish Councillor's Guide' (London 1935), W.H.Dumsday's 'Parish Councils Handbook' (London 1946) and Charles Arnold-Baker's 'New Law and Practice of Parish Administration' (London 1966).

Several parish councils have deposited their records with us.