Lord Mayor of London been mandatory for election to the Lord Mayoralty. Two Sheriffs are selected annually by Common Hall, which meets on Midsummer's Day for this purpose. By an ordinance of 1435, the Lord Mayor must be chosen from amongst the Aldermen of the City of London. Those on the electoral roll of each of the City's 25 Wards select one Alderman, who formerly held office for life or until resignation. Now each Alderman must submit for re-election at least once in every six years. The Lord Mayor is then sworn in November, on the day before the Lord Mayor's Show ("see below").
Edward Ironside (Lord Mayor of London) Ironside became an alderman of Cordwainer ward on 18 October 1745. He was one of the members of the so called ‘Benn’s Club’ a group of Aldermen with Jacobite sysmpathies under the leadership of Alderman William Benn. He was Sheriff of London in the year 1748 to 1749. He became Lord Mayor of London on 9th November1753. At his inauguration, he was so ill with gout that he had to be carried in a magnificent Sedan Chair. Alderman Benn rode in the State Coach and performed the honours of the day in his place. Ironside’s health did not improve and