The High Sheriff of Berkshire

An historic office serving the Royal County of Berkshire

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

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

Events

Last Friday morning I was invited to give a talk to approx. 200 sixth form students at Trinity School Newbury about my role as High Sheriff. This was part of the students' PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education programme.
Thank you Assistant Head of Sixth Form Diana Evans and students who looked after me and good luck to everyone taking exams this summer.

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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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More Events

Contact the High Sheriff

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

Contact the High Sheriff