Liverpool Town Council existed from 1835 to 1880. Liverpool Town Council was established by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, replacing the which was first established under the Charter of King John in 1207. Records for the Common Council go back to 1550. In 1835, Sixteen wards were established, each of which elected three councillors for a three-year term. One-third of the councillors were elected each year in a three-year cycle. The councillors were elected by male ratepayers (not all adults). The franchise was extended throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition there were 16 aldermen who were elected by the council and had the same voting rights as the elected councillors.