Chiltern Hundreds
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law · Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law
The hundreds of Stoke, Desborough, and Bonenham, the stewardship of which is a nominal office in the gift of the Crown. As acceptance of an office under the Crown vacates a seat in the House of Commons, this office is giyen to a member wishing to retire, to evade the principle that a member of Parhament cannot give up his seat.