Sheriffs' Declaration Act 1835 facts for kids
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| Citation | 5 & 6 Will. 4. c. 28 |
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The Sheriffs' Declaration Act 1835 was an important law in the United Kingdom. It was passed in 1835 by the UK Parliament. This law made it easier for people to become a sheriff without having to say a special religious statement. This was a big step in helping Jewish people get more equal rights in the UK.
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What Was the Sheriffs' Declaration Act?
This law, also known as the Declarations, etc., to be Taken by Sheriffs Act 1835, changed an older rule. Before this Act, anyone becoming a sheriff had to make a special promise. This promise included the words "and I make this Declaration upon the true Faith of a Christian."
Why Was This Act Needed?
The problem was that Jewish people could not honestly say "upon the true Faith of a Christian." This meant they could not become sheriffs, even if they were chosen for the job. The new Act removed this part of the promise. This allowed people of different faiths to take on important public roles.
David Salomans' Story
The need for this law became very clear because of David Salomans. He was a Jewish man who was chosen to be the Sheriff of the City of London in 1835. Because of the old rule, he could not take the job. The Sheriffs' Declaration Act was passed specifically to help people like him. After the Act, David Salomans was able to become a sheriff.
More Steps Towards Equality
Becoming a sheriff was just one step for David Salomans. To become the Lord Mayor of London, he also needed to be an alderman. He was elected as an alderman in 1835. However, there was still no law that allowed him to take that position without a similar religious promise.
More changes were needed, and these came with the Municipal Offices Act 1845. Finally, in 1847, David Salomans became an alderman. He then went on to become the Lord Mayor of London in 1855. Later, in 1859, he also became a member of parliament, facing similar challenges there too. This Act was a key part of a long journey towards equal rights for all citizens.
