These ordinances were among a set that appear to have been put in place by the city authorities in the period between the two sets of building regulations (1189 and 1212). However, the existence of a financial office, in the person of the chamberlain, is not mentioned until 1237. Nonetheless, the regulations represent an early instance of attention to sanitary standards, probably dating from some point in the thirteenth century. Inquisitions held in each city ward were to make presentments of any infringements.

The early attention given by London authorities, in the decades following the establishment of approved self-government, is not evidenced in other towns. With the size of its population, however, London authorities doubtless felt a more pressing need for action. Prior to the regulations they introduced it appears, from archaeological evidence, that many residences may have had refuse pits towards the back of the properties, but this approach to waste disposal had evident limitations.