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

This morning I attended the Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Challenge Grand Final, sponsored by @ascotracecourse (driven by Jacqui Greet) and @learningtowork (driven by Nancy Lalor and Rebecca Saich).
Seven Berkshire schools competed for a £1,000 donation (and other prizes) for the charity they have been supporting during the year. The finalists were @garthhillcollege_official, Eden Girls` School, Baylis Court School, @hgs.1952, @theale_green_school, @churchmead_insta, @altwoodschool.
Supported charities were @duchenneuk, @sloughrefugeesupport, @thedashcharity, SHOC, @launchpadreading, @crossroadscareslough, @the_baby_bank.
The schools ran through why they supported their nominated charities, their fundraising activities and overall impact of their activities within their communities, with the most impactful school the winner.
Gerry Lejeune, CEO of @berkshirecommunityfoundation, @jackmrankin, Windsor MP and myself were the judges.
Well done to the winners, @hgs.1952.
They were given a close run by @churchmead_insta, who received a £1,000 donation from the High Sheriff`s Fund. @berkshirecommunityfoundation kindly donated £250 to the other five schools.
The energy from the event was terrific.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17859070386598527
This morning I attended the Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Challenge Grand Final, sponsored by @ascotracecourse (driven by Jacqui Greet) and @learningtowork (driven by Nancy Lalor and Rebecca Saich). Seven Berkshire schools competed for a £1,000 donation (and other prizes) for the charity they have been supporting during the year. The finalists were @garthhillcollege_official, Eden Girls' School, Baylis Court School, @hgs.1952, @theale_green_school, @churchmead_insta, @altwoodschool. Supported charities were @duchenneuk, @sloughrefugeesupport, @thedashcharity, SHOC, @launchpadreading, @crossroadscareslough, @the_baby_bank. The schools ran through why they supported their nominated charities, their fundraising activities and overall impact of their activities within their communities, with the most impactful school the winner. Gerry Lejeune, CEO of @berkshirecommunityfoundation, @jackmrankin, Windsor MP and myself were the judges. Well done to the winners, @hgs.1952. They were given a close run by @churchmead_insta, who received a £1,000 donation from the High Sheriff's Fund. @berkshirecommunityfoundation kindly donated £250 to the other five schools. The energy from the event was terrific.

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Last Wednesday I attended a Citizenship Ceremony at @sloughcouncil where 38 new citizens were welcomed to the borough.
Unfortunately I was unable to take photos of the ceremony as they had an official photographer.
It was lovely to catch up with Deputy Mayor, Cllr Neel Rana, who is always a very welcoming host.

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 17854024188573800
Last Wednesday I attended a Citizenship Ceremony at @sloughcouncil where 38 new citizens were welcomed to the borough. Unfortunately I was unable to take photos of the ceremony as they had an official photographer. It was lovely to catch up with Deputy Mayor, Cllr Neel Rana, who is always a very welcoming host.

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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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More Events

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Contact the High Sheriff