The Office of High Sheriff is at
least 1,000 years old, having its roots in Saxon times before the
Norman Conquest. Originally the office held many of the powers now
vested in Lord-Lieutenants, High Court Judges, Magistrates,
Coroners and Local Authorities.
The Shrievalty is the oldest secular office after the Crown and the
area for which a Sheriff is appointed is usually called his/her
'Bailiwick'.
Appointed annually in April, the High Sheriff remains the
Sovereign's representative in the county for matters relating to
the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. High Sheriffs
are responsible for duties conferred by the Crown through warrant
from the Privy Council, which can include ensuring the well-being
and protection of High Court Judges on circuit, acting as Returning
Officer for parliamentary elections in the county constituencies,
proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign, together with a
number of other ceremonial functions.
The High Sheriff is still responsible for the enforcement of most
High Court Writs, which are processed through the Under Sheriff's
office, and the execution of Warrants are then carried out by
the Sheriff's officers.
There is an annual nomination ceremony on 12th November in the
Royal Courts of Justice when three names are put forward for the
Office of High Sheriff in each county. Subsequently the selection
of a new High Sheriff from these names is made at a meeting of the
Privy Council by the Sovereign when, by ancient custom, the
appointed name is 'pricked' with a silver bodkin.
The High Sheriff for 2008-2009 is Mrs. Diana Hunt JP, DL.
She can be contacted at -
Manor House
Little Wenham
Suffolk
CO7 6QF