The office of High Sheriff is
of great antiquity, dating back to Saxon times. It is the
oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown.
Originally the office held many of the powers now vested
in the Lord-Lieutenants, High Court Judges, Magistrates,
Local Authorities, Coroners and even the Inland Revenue.
Today the duties of the High Sheriff’s duties are
largely ceremonial. The appointment is honorary and there
is no formal qualification for the office, although certain
people - Members of both Houses of Parliament, serving members
of the armed forces, and certain government officials - are
disqualified from taking office.
The High Sheriff is the
Sovereign’s representative in the County for matters
of law and order and the judiciary and consequently takes
an active interest in the administration of justice. High
Sheriffs in Wiltshire have for some years been active in
supporting Wiltshire Crimebeat, an organisation which encourages
young people to get involved with crime reduction activities
and create safer communities.
Apart from these duties, the
High Sheriff will be concerned with the work of many charitable
and voluntary organisations in the Council and will do
his best to encourage and support them in their efforts. The High Sheriff is appointed for a period of one year,
taking office in April each year. A list containing three
names is submitted to The Queen each March and the name of
the High Sheriff for the following year is pricked with a
silver bodkin.
Previous High Sheriff's
2007-2008 - The Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie
2006–2007 - Geraldine Wimble
2005 - David Margesson
2004 - James Arkell
2003 - David Newbigging
2002 - Sir Christopher
Benson
2000 - Robert Lawton
1925 - Gerard James Buxton
1840 - William Henry Fox Talbot
1671 - Sir Robert Button Bt., of Tockenham Court
1620 - Sir
Charles Pleydell
1513 - Sir John Danvers of
Dauntsey
1512 - Sir Henry Long
1503 - Sir John Danvers of
Dauntsey
For a more comprehensive list of the previous High Sheriff's
of Wiltshire click
here
The High Sheriffs' Association
of England and Wales (The
Shrievalty Association)
www.highsheriffs.com |
