They spend much of their public life in chains. They are civic figureheads who carry on centuries-old traditions and fly the flag for the town and area they represent.
Far from being an outmoded ceremonial role out of kilter with modern life, mayors today seem to be as popular as ever. Why, Andy Burnham, our Prime Minister, was Manchester mayor. Previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson was London mayor.
Over time there must have been hundreds of Shropshire mayors, who have made a tremendous contribution to life in the county, not least through their charity appeals during their terms of office.
Here we shine the spotlight on just a few mayors from yesteryear from across the county.
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21. Taking the ferry
Adrian Coles takes a ride on the Hampton Loade ferry with school children from Dower House School, Quatt, near Bridgnorth, and ferry operator, Darren Page. Major Coles held a record for having been successfully elected to local councils a greater number of times than any other councillor in England. | Shropshire Star
22. Going Dutch
These youngsters pioneered the link up between Shrewsbury and its twin town, Zutphen in Holland. The photograph was taken on the steps of Shrewsbury Castle in about 1947, immediately before the Dutch party returned home after a welcome holiday in Shropshire in the aftermath of World War Two. Years later Zutphen and Shrewsbury cemented the connection to become twin towns. Left back row is the mayor, Alderman Alfred Bennett, the mayoress (his niece) and, second right, the mayor’s secretary, Mr Andrew Bromwich. Miss de Vries, in charge of the party, is on the right of the group at the front. | Shropshire Star archive
23. First lady
Mrs Marion Cock was the first lady mayor of Shrewsbury, her term of office being 1934-35. | Shropshire Star