The process of incorporation was reformed in 1835 and many more places received borough charters, whilst others were lost.
All existing boroughs were abolished on 1 April 1974 and borough status was reformed as a civic honour for local government districts.
At the same time a limited number of former boroughs and other settlements became successor parishes, with the right to be known as a town and preserve their charter.
Boroughs that did not become successor parishes formed unparished areas, but were able to preserve their charters without a corporate body by appointing charter trustees.
Since 1 April 1974 any parish council in England has the right to resolve to call itself a town council and many communities have taken up this right, including areas that preserved continuity with charter trustees.