Reference
PSL
Title
Luton Petty Sessional Division
Admin/biog history
The Luton District is, in fact, two districts. The organisation is similar to Bedford in that there is a district and a town sessions (see Introductions to PSB and PSBB). The distinction, regrettably, was not noted in the original catalogue of Luton material as it had been with the records of the two Bedford divisions - all material being called PSL. This error was not recognised until the present catalogue was nearing completion [Aug 1994]. Thus, in instances where the Office holds material of both Luton Division and Luton Borough Division, the non-borough material is denoted by the suffix A (see PSL 4A and PSL 9A in Summary of Classes).
The two divisions were established in 1830, the Luton Division historically contains the parishes Barton; Caddington; East Hyde; Houghton Regis; Leagrave; Limbury; Market Street; Stopsley; Streatley; Studham; Sundon; Tilsworth; Totternhoe; West Hyde and Whipsnade.
Tilsworth was transferred to Woburn Division in 1837. On Kensworth becoming part of Bedfordshire it was transferred to Luton Division.
In 1953, Houghton Regis, Studham, Totternhoe and Whipsnade were transferred to Dunstable Division. On the abolition of the Woburn Division in that year, Harlington and Toddington were transferred to Luton. Thus in 1953 the Luton Division comprised the parishes: Barton; Caddington; Harlington; Hyde; Kensworth; Streatley & Sharpenhoe; Sundon and Toddington.
In 1969 the Luton district joined with the Dunstable division to become the new Dunstable petty sessions division. Luton borough continued until the changes of 1973 when it became the Luton petty sessions division.
Level of description
sub-fonds