The
Metropolitan Board of Works (
MBW) was the principal instrument of
London-wide government from December 1855 until the establishment of the
London County Council in March 1889. Its principal responsibility was to provide infrastructure to cope with London's rapid growth, which it accomplished. The MBW was an appointed rather than elected body. This lack of accountability made it unpopular with Londoners, especially in its latter years when it fell prey to
corruption.