cts. It is doubtful at what date the necessity for
such an appointment disappeared, but the three hundreds of Stoke,
Burnham and Desborough are still distinguished by the old name. The
appointment of steward was first used for parliamentary purposes in
1750, the appointment being made by the chancellor of the exchequer
(and at his discretion to grant or not), and the warrant bestowing on
the holder "all wages, fees, allowances and other privileges and
pre-eminences." Up to the 19th century there was a nominal salary of
20s. attached to the post. It was laid down in 1846 by the chancellor
of the exchequer that the Chilterns could not be granted to more than
one person in the same day, but this rule has not been strictly
adhered to, for on four occasions subsequent to 1850 the Chilterns
were granted twice on the same day. The Chilterns might be granted to
members whether they had taken the oath or not, or during a recess,
though in this case a new writ could not be issued until the House met
again. Each new warrant expressly revoked the grant to the last
holder, the new steward retaining it in his turn until another should
be appointed.

2. _Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of East Hundred, or Hendred,
Berks._--This stewardship was first used for parliamentary purposes in
1763, and was in more or less constant use until 1840, after which it
disappeared. This manor comprised copyholds, the usual courts were
held, and the stewardship was an actual and active office, the duties
being executed by a deputy steward. The manor was sold by public
auction in 1823 for L910, but in some manner the crown retained the
right of appointing a steward for seventeen years after that date.

3. _Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, Yorkshire._--This
manor was crown property before 1750, but was in lease until 1838. It
has no copyhold lands, nor are there any records of manor courts.
There are no traces of any profits having ever been derived from the
office. It was used for parliamentary purposes in 1844 and
subsequently.

4. _Steward of the Manor of Hempholme, Yorkshire._--This manor appears
to have been of the same nature as that of Northstead. It was in lease
until 1835. It was first used for parliamentary purposes in 1845 and
was in constant use until 1865. It was sold in 1866.

5. _Escheator of Munster._--Escheators were officers commissioned to
sec