Alderman or elderman – a high ranking official in local area. From the Old English meaning elder man. Aldermen used to preside over municipal corporations and councils. Aldermen were chosen by the other councillors for a term of six years and includes both men and women. The role was abolished in 1972, however councils still have the power to create honorary aldermen as a reward for their services.
City – a permanent human settlement of a considerable size, being larger than a town. Occupations are largely not related to agriculture, and there is generally infrastructure in place for culture, education, employment, health, housing, industry, leisure, religions, transportation, sanitation, etc. A large variety of businesses will aim to meet the needs of the residents of the city. City status is awarded by the Crown although a historical qualifying factor was the presence of a cathedral. Cities usually have different areas for housing different people such as commuters. Many cities have parks and historic city centres with buildings of economic, political and religious importance.
County – see also shire – this word was introduced after the Norman Conquest and is still in use today.
Hundred – a subdivision of a county for the purposes of local government and taxation. An area between the size of a village and a shire. In use from 940s until the 19th century.– each hundred having its own court. The hundred courts met monthly usually in the open air and private disputes and criminal matters were settled by customary law. The sheriff would act as judge twice a year.
Market town – a town which has the right to host a regular market on specific days or dates by custom or by the grant of a royal charter. Market towns often developed near castles and monasteries so they could supply the demands for goods and services. Latterly, they developed near transport hubs such as railway junctions. See also Town.
Sheriff – a senior executive officer in the legal system in the United Kingdom who would judge both civil and criminal cases in their shire. The role existed before the Norman Conquest in 1066 and was better defined in 1215 when King John signed the Magna Carta. Modern duties include supporting Lord Mayors in their civic duties, and supporting judges in courts by promoting English law. These days sheriffs largely have a ceremonial role for their city or county.
Shire – another word for county in Great Britain. Comes from the Old English and was an administrative area, administered by an alderman and a sheriff.
Town – a human settlement which is larger than a village but smaller than a city. Comes from an Old English word. Usually has a fairly settled population of many families and individuals. People usually have a wider variety of occupations than villages. There are usually different areas for different classes of people to live. There are usually facilities for health, leisure, industry, and shopping. See also Market town.
Village – the centre of local rural mainly agricultural occupations, family associations are usually strong, with simple and traditional culture. Historically ruled democratically with discussions between local leaders and elders.
Wapon (also wapen) and Wapontake (also wapentake) – as may be seen on old maps – represents subdivisions of the English counties, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Rutland and York. Now largely obsolete, in use from approximately 960s to 1830s. From Old Norse or Danish – wapon being weapon and take from take – so an administrative area that was under Norse or Danish rule – equivalent to hundred or ward in the most northernmost English counties.
The Fens App 