The Chiltern Hundreds date back to the 13th century. A hundred is a traditional division of an English county, and the hilly, wooded hundreds of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire were once notorious as a hiding place for robbers. A Crown Steward was appointed to maintain law and order in the area, but the position's duties ceased to be required in the 16th century, and the holder ceased to gain any benefits during the 17th century. The position has since been used as a procedural device to allow resignation from the House of Commons.

The Chiltern Hundreds are Stoke, Desborough and Burnham.

See also

List of Stewards of the Chiltern Hundreds

The Manor of Northstead in Yorkshire is also used as a device for resignations.