History of the office of Mayor
The word ‘Mayor’ and ‘Major’ derive from the same Latin word ‘Magnus’ meaning great. The Office of Mayor, together with the Doomsday Book and the feudal system were brought to this country by the Normans, as such an office had existed on the continent at least since the 5th century. The first English Mayor was the Mayor of London appointed in 1189 by Richard 1.
The first Basingstoke Mayor, George Baynard, was appointed in 1641.
In 1974 Basingstoke became a District Council and therefore had a Chairman
In 1978 Basingstoke and Deane became a borough and once again had a Mayor
Mayoress
The Mayoress can be the Mayor's wife, daughter friend or whoever he chooses.
The title has no official recognition and is a strictly honorary one bestowed on the Mayor’s wife, daughter, friend etc. If the Mayor is female (she is still a Mayor) then her husband would be the Mayor’s Consort. If the Mayor is unmarried, her official escort is named Mayor’s Escort.
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor Is there to deputise for the Mayor and represent him/her at engagements.
