The History & Role of the High Sheriff

History of the role

With the sole exception of the Monarchy itself – briefly interrupted during Oliver Cromwell’s rule – the office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular role in the country and the only one to survive from Saxon times. Its origins stretch back over 1,300 years. In 669, King Egbert of Kent dispatched his personal Reeve to Paris to escort the newly appointed Archbishop to Canterbury. A few decades later, King Ine of Wessex (688–695) formalised the position in his laws, providing for a “Scir Man” to settle disputes and maintain order within the shire.

The word Sheriff is derived from Shire-Reeve, and by the 10th century a Sheriff had been appointed to every county in England and Wales. Over time, the role developed into that of the Crown’s principal representative at local level. Sheriffs were responsible for law enforcement, raising the “hue and cry” to pursue criminals, presiding over the Court of the Hundred, collecting taxes and levies, and managing Crown property within the shire.

Remarkably, the office survived the Norman Conquest of 1066 and became central to the early development of the English justice system. Its significance is clearly demonstrated in Magna Carta of 1215: of its 63 clauses, no fewer than 27 referred directly to the powers and duties of the Sheriff. From 1254 onwards, the Sheriff also oversaw the election of two Knights of the Shire to Parliament, reinforcing the role’s importance in both governance and justice.

Over the centuries, however, the Sheriff’s extensive powers were gradually reduced. The establishment of the Exchequer transferred responsibility for tax collection, while during Tudor times the creation of the office of Lord-Lieutenant removed military duties and the role of personal representative of the Sovereign. In the mid-19th century, authority over policing and prisons passed to the Prison Commissioners and local constabularies, and in 1883 responsibility for Crown property was transferred to the Crown Commissioners.

Today, the role of High Sheriff is entirely ceremonial. Nonetheless, it remains a position of great historic significance, with the High Sheriff serving as the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order – an enduring link between modern civic life and England’s ancient legal traditions.

Appointment of the High Sheriff

The office of High Sheriff is a one-year royal appointment that is voluntary, unfunded and strictly non-political. A High Sheriff is appointed to each county in England and Wales, continuing a tradition that reflects both public service and civic duty.

In every county, appointment panels are established to identify “suitably experienced and public-spirited individuals” to undertake the role. Each November, three nominees from every county are formally announced by the King’s Remembrancer at the Royal Courts of Justice, in the presence of the Lady Chief Justice of Appeal and two High Court Judges. The following March, the roll of High Sheriffs in Nomination is submitted to the King, who selects – or “pricks” – the High Sheriff for the coming year.

The custom of pricking the Sheriff’s roll is believed to date back to Tudor times and continues to this day. Rather than marking the vellum with ink, which could be erased, the Sovereign traditionally pierces the parchment with a bodkin, creating a permanent hole to signify the appointment.

The role of High Sheriff is therefore a direct appointment of the Sovereign by Royal Warrant. The appointed nominee formally takes office by making a statutory declaration of fidelity, marking the commencement of their year in service.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the High Sheriff during their shrieval year include:

Providing active support to the principal institutions of the constitution within the county, including the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities and church and faith groups.
Playing an active role in supporting and promoting the voluntary sector, offering encouragement to voluntary organisations across the county, particularly those working in crime reduction and the promotion of social cohesion.
Ensuring the welfare of visiting High Court Judges, attending upon them at court, and offering appropriate hospitality during their visits.
Making a positive and lasting contribution to the county during the year of office, while upholding and championing the traditions and values of the ancient Office of High Sheriff.
Supporting the Lord-Lieutenant during royal visits and on other appropriate occasions.

The High Sheriff’s badge

The Royal Crown is incorporated into the High Sheriff’s badge by Royal Licence, granted in 1991. The ermine border at the base of the crown symbolises the judiciary, and the Shrievalty Association of England and Wales is among the very few institutions authorised to use the Royal Crown in this manner.

The crossed swords, shown in saltire (forming an X shape), carry clear symbolic meaning: the blunt sword represents mercy, while the sharp sword represents justice. The Tudor roses symbolise England, while the crossed leeks represent Wales. Completing the design is a wreath of gold oak leaves, representing the oak as England’s national tree.

Court Dress of England

Court dress has remained largely unchanged since the early 19th century, following Queen Victoria’s call for a new design. It comprises a black or dark blue velvet coat with steel-cut buttons, matching breeches and shoes fitted with steel buckles. A lace jabot is worn at the neck, completing this traditional form of ceremonial attire.

The Sword

The High Sheriffs sword symbolises the King’s justice and may also be called upon to protect his majesty’s judges in case of need.

The County of the West Midlands

The County of West Midlands was created in 1974 following the Local Government Act of 1972. The areas that now make up the county were previously part of Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Today, the West Midlands is home to around three million people, making it the second most populous county in England.

For local government purposes, the county is divided into seven metropolitan boroughs: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

The West Midlands is one of the youngest and most diverse counties in the United Kingdom. More than 21 per cent of its population is aged 15 or under, while a further 63 per cent are of working age, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic demographic profile.

In 2023, the West Midlands was reported to be the “happiest” of the eight metropolitan counties in England, highlighting the strength and wellbeing of its communities.

The Justice System

The West Midlands currently has nine courts, several of which are combined court centres, with approximately 100 judges sitting across the county.
West Midlands Police is responsible for policing the entire county and is the second largest police force in England, with around 8,000 officers supported by a further 4,500 staff.
The County of West Midlands forms part of the wider West Midlands regional probation service.
There is currently one prison operating within the County of West Midlands.
Encouragingly, figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that the crime rate in the West Midlands fell by 6 per cent in the year to October 2025.