Hundred (division)

A hundred is an administrative division which historically was used to divide a larger region into smaller geographical units. The name is derived from the number hundred.

In England a hundred was the division of a shire for administrative purposes under the common law. Originally, a hundred was supposed to contain approximately one hundred households; it was further divided into tithings, which likewise contained ten. Compare with township.

In Sweden a hundred, or hundare, was an administrative division of a landskap. Initially the hundred refered a hundred men under arms, that were raised and supported by the inhabitants of the hundred. The use of hundreds was limited to Svealand and the region around lake Mälaren. In the 14th century the hundreds were converted in to another division that one of härad, which was used in Götaland and other parts of the country.

See also: Chiltern Hundreds, Leidang