Chiltern Hundreds

The Chiltern Hundreds date back to the 13th century, and probably to the Anglo-Saxon period. A hundred is a traditional division of an English county, and the hilly, wooded hundreds of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire were once notorious as a hiding place for robbers. A Crown Steward was appointed to maintain law and order in the area, but the position's duties ceased to be required in the 16th century, and the holder ceased to gain any benefits during the 17th century. The Chiltern Hundreds are Stoke, Desborough, and Burnham.

The positions of Steward and Deputy Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds are now used as a procedural device to allow resignation from the House of Commons, which is not otherwise permitted under British law (a legal anomaly dating back to past centuries when Members of Parliament (MPs) were often elected to serve against their will; compare the custom of "dragging" a newly-elected Speaker of the House of Commons to the chair). Those of Steward and Deputy Steward of the Manor of Northstead in Yorkshire are also used as a device for resignations. Any Member of Parliament accepting an "office of profit" under the Crown must give up his or her seat. The "office" is held until such time as another MP applies.

See also