Sean Taylor DL is the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, 2025 – 2026
The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular role in the United Kingdom, second only to the Crown. Its origins trace back over a thousand years to the Anglo-Saxon period.
The name ‘Sheriff’ derives from “Shire Reeve” (Scir Gerefa); the king’s local representative for law and order. Early High Sheriffs held real power, and fought alongside the King in war. The first recorded Berkshire Sheriff, Godric, was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
After the Norman Conquest, the role of the sheriff was expanded and updated. They presided over local courts, raised the “hue and cry” against wrongdoers, conscripted men to help keep the county peace, managed Crown lands, and collected taxes.
In 1215, the Magna Carta cemented the High Sheriff’s significance, with nearly half its clauses relating to the sheriff’s role. From 1254, High Sheriffs supervised the election of two shire knights to Parliament, cementing their role at the heart of medieval governance.
By the 19th century, many of the High Sheriff’s responsibilities were transferred to other parts of government. Police and prisons went to new Police Commissioners, while Crown property passed to Crown Commissioners.
The Sheriffs Act of 1887 redefined the role. It limited the office to a one-year term and confirmed the Sovereign’s role in appointment, establishing the legal framework that still governs today.
The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative for law and order within the county. The position is honorary and unpaid, but it carries important ceremonial and community duties.
High Sheriffs organise events, such as the annual service marking the start of the judicial year. They support the judiciary, police, and voluntary organisations. High Sheriffs wear a ceremonial uniform, known as ‘Court Dress’, including a sword and a cocked hat.
The role of High Sheriff stretches back over a thousand years. The first recorded High Sheriff of Berkshire was Godric, who served under King Harold in the 11th century and is believed to have died at the Battle of Hastings.
Appointed aged just eight, Richard went on to become Earl of Cornwall, was elected King of Germany, and grow into one of Europe’s most powerful princes.
Speaker of the House of Commons and son of poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas served as Sheriff of Berkshire and Oxfordshire in 1400 and 1403.
Courtier to Richard II and Sheriff in 1404, John later helped govern occupied France under Henry V.
Serving as Sheriff in 1452 and 1457, John Norreys was also Keeper of the Wardrobe to Henry VI.
High Sheriff during the Wars of the Roses, he endured imprisonment, rebellion, and exile before returning to local affairs.
During this period, one sheriff was appointed for the counties of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, so all sheriffs below with the exception of Nicholas de Hendred in 1258 were sheriffs for both counties.
High Sheriff in 1572 and Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Henry VIII.
Sheriff in 1610, Richard was a soldier who was briefly imprisoned for suspected treason before being ennobled.
Sheriff in 1629 and later MP and uncle of Oliver Cromwell.
Morris Ximenes converted from Judaism to Anglicanism and served in the Peninsular War after becoming High Sheriff in 1805.
Sheriff in 1830 and second editor of The Times newspaper.
Serving as sheriff in 1898, Charles was stockbroker and authority on church architecture and later became President of the British Archaeological Association.
Acting Chief Constable during WWI, philanthropist, and inspiration for the character of Toad in The Wind in the Willows; Francis served as Sheriff in 1902.
Wealthy landowner, philanthropist, and one of the UK’s earliest pilots, who served as Sheriff in 1921.
A cricketer, soldier, and recipient of the Military Cross, Rodney Palmer served as Sheriff in 1953.
Find out how to invite the High Sheriff to your event.