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The title is Anglo-Saxon in origin, literally meaning "elder-man", and was used by the chief nobles presiding over shires.
See also: Ealdorman, Corporation of London
In the Republic of Ireland the title is used by the first person elected in a multi-seat local government ward.
In England prior to 1974 municipal or borough councils consisted of councillors and aldermen. Each ward usually elected three councillors for a three-year term, and one alderman to a six-year term. Aldermen tended to have the senior positions within the council only because they were usually the longest serving members, because of party political patronage.
Councils can still create honorary aldermen, often a reward for long service. This award is used much more often in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland is the smallest of the Home Nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland lies in the north-east of the island of Ireland. It covers 14,139 square kilometres (5,459 square miles), and has a populati than in England
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