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

On Friday I also visited The Dash Charity @thedashcharity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). The organisation has been supporting people experiencing domestic abuse in the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for over 45 years. It was uplifting to hear the stories of victims who have been provided the chance to start new lives.
For safety reasons I have blanked out the lovely team who hosted me.
Thank you for the opportunities you offer women, children and men to rebuild.

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Last Friday morning I visited SHOC (Slough Homeless Our Concern) @sloughhomeless. SHOC is a day centre that provides care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming so. There are around 150 guests on SHOC's books and they see around 40 people each day, offering food, washing and laundry facilities, access to medical care and access to resources to help get back into work and find permanent accommodation.
Mandy McGuire and her team do a fantastic job, blending caring with strong rules of conduct, to create a safe space for those in need.
Thank you for your dedication and kindness.

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Last Saturday and today I attended three Berkshire heats of the Magistrates' Court Mock Trial competition. The event simulates a criminal case and is designed to give students aged 12-14 an insight into how the legal system works. The Berkshire High Sheriff is Patron of the Berkshire competition.
Thank you to the many magistrates, teachers and other volunteers who invest significant effort in bringing this opportunity to the schoolchildren. Well done to all the schools for your great performances and to today's winners, @trinity_newbury (pictured here), who progress to the regional final on 16th May.

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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