Bailiff and City Council Society

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At the head of the town stood a bailiff appointed by the monarch (his office was hereditary), and a city council consisting of aldermen (known as councillors or elders). The head of the council was the Bürgermeister or underchamberlain.
The council members were mostly wealthy townsmen, and their rotation in office depended on whether it was a royal, manorial, or free city.
The council decided on the most important matters concerning the city and its inhabitants. Courts, consultations, records, the sale or donation of property, registers, contracts, and other documents were prepared and stored at the Town Hall.

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