The High Sheriff of Berkshire

An historic office serving the Royal County of Berkshire

Contact the High Sheriff

Welcome

The High Sheriff of Berkshire is the Sovereign’s representative for law and order in the county. It is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom, with roots stretching back over a thousand years. Today, the role of the sheriff focusses on supporting the judiciary, police, voluntary sector and community life.

The current High Sheriff is Sean Taylor, appointed for 2025–26. A business leader and active supporter of local charities, Sean’s shrieval year is dedicated to the theme of education, and his nominated charities are Berkshire Community Foundation and Learning to Work.

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

Learn more about Sean Taylor, the Under Sheriff, and the Chaplain, and their roles in serving Berkshire through ceremony,
law, and community engagement.

Sean Taylor DL

The High Sheriff

Jonathan Gater

The Under-Sheriff

Reverend Gareth Morley

Chaplain to the High Sheriff
Meet the High Sheriff

History of the High Sheriff

Discover the origins of the office from Saxon times to the present day, including its powers, traditions, and how the role has evolved over the centuries.

Discover the History

The High Sheriff’s Awards

Nominate candidates from within Berkshire for the High Sheriff’s annual awards.
Nominate a Candidate

Events Attendance

See recent highlights of the High Sheriff’s work across Berkshire.
Discover Recent Events

Events

For my last event of 2025 I was delighted to be invited to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, to give a reading at one of its Nine Lessons and Carols services. It was a beautiful event and a wonderful way to see out the 2025 part of my shrieval year.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18037585802726609
For my last event of 2025 I was delighted to be invited to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, to give a reading at one of its Nine Lessons and Carols services. It was a beautiful event and a wonderful way to see out the 2025 part of my shrieval year. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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On Saturday I visited a Carol Singing & Christmas Family Crafts event organised by Trinity Early Church and Lower Earley Baptist Church. It was great to see strong attendance from the Earley community.
Pictured left to right are: Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham; Cllr Nicola Brock, Mayor of Earley; Cllr David Hare, who looked after me during the visit; Revd. Jon Salmon, the main organiser of the event. I believe it`s Fraser at the front but forgive me if I misheard.
Thank you so much for bringing the Earley community together at Christmas and for all the good work you do throughout the year.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17886046992410726
On Saturday I visited a Carol Singing & Christmas Family Crafts event organised by Trinity Early Church and Lower Earley Baptist Church. It was great to see strong attendance from the Earley community. Pictured left to right are: Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham; Cllr Nicola Brock, Mayor of Earley; Cllr David Hare, who looked after me during the visit; Revd. Jon Salmon, the main organiser of the event. I believe it's Fraser at the front but forgive me if I misheard. Thank you so much for bringing the Earley community together at Christmas and for all the good work you do throughout the year.

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High Sheriff Awards. On Thursday 12th March 2026 I will be hosting a High Sheriff`s Awards ceremony at Windsor Castle to recognise individuals and groups who help make Berkshire better. As you reflect on 2025, is there a person or team you feel should be nominated? Please go to the Awards section of the https://berkshirehighsheriff.com website if so. It will take just a couple of minutes of effort to show you value them. Thank you.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18062212424553906
High Sheriff Awards. On Thursday 12th March 2026 I will be hosting a High Sheriff's Awards ceremony at Windsor Castle to recognise individuals and groups who help make Berkshire better. As you reflect on 2025, is there a person or team you feel should be nominated? Please go to the Awards section of the https://berkshirehighsheriff.com website if so. It will take just a couple of minutes of effort to show you value them. Thank you.

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More Events

Contact the High Sheriff

Find out how to invite the High Sheriff to your event.

Contact the High Sheriff