History of the Office of High Sheriff

From Saxon times, the ‘Shire Reeve’ has been appointed by the King, making it the oldest uninterrupted secular office under the Crown. The Sheriff was responsible for the collection of all rents, debts and fines due to the King and the enforcement of law and order.

During the Middle Ages, they were at the height of their powers. They could raise ‘hue and cry’ in pursuit of miscreants, read the Riot Act in cases of insurrection and be responsible for the administration of justice in the Shire. Further, they were duty bound to return two Knights of the Shire to parliament. From about 1300, their powers began to wane and by the 19th century many of the Sheriff’s responsibilities were transferred to the statutory bodies we recognise today.

In the 20th century, the High Sheriff’s role was further diminished with the establishment of the Lord-Lieutenants as the personal representatives of the Sovereign in the County. The High Sheriff became the Sovereign’s representative in the County for all matters relating to the judiciary including the safety of the judges while on Circuit, all matters of law and order and most importantly, preserving the Peace.