Alderman

Alderman, the name given by the Saxons to the "comes," or count, who under the Franks had entrusted to him the government of the shire. Aldermen are in most corporations the chief officers after the mayor, and take precedence of the town councillors or burgesses, from whom the aldermen are usually chosen. Their duties and privileges considerably varied in different boroughs before the passing of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1835. The number of councillors in each borough varies from twelve to forty-eight. One fourth of the municipal council consists of aldermen and three-fourths of councillors. The Corporation of London was not included in the Municipal Corporation Act, and the old system remains there in full force. In Scotland there is no such title, the officers of corresponding rank being termed "bailies." The term alderman has recently acquired a particular significance. By the Local Government Act, 1888, county aldermen hold a very important position in carrying out the administrative business of each county.