High steward is an honorary title bestowed by the councils or charter trustees of certain towns and cities in England.
[3][4] These stewardships were often instruments of patronage, with prominent courtiers obtaining charters for boroughs which in turn named them as steward.
Boroughs also returned members to the House of Commons, and in many the steward was able to use his influence to effectively obtain the election of his own nominee.
[4][5] Over time the legal aspects of the office passed to a deputy: a qualified lawyer eventually given the distinct title of recorder.
For example, in 1833, the corporation of Kingston upon Hull nominated the Duke of Wellington, former Tory prime minister, to the office of High Steward.