High Sheriff of Dorset explained

The High Sheriff of Dorset is an ancient high sheriff title which has been in existence for over one thousand years.^[1] Until 1567 the Sheriff of Somerset was also the Sheriff of Dorset.

On 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, the title of Sheriff of Dorset was retitled High Sheriff of Dorset.^[2]

The position was once a powerful position responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing law and order in Dorset. In modern times the high sheriff has become a ceremonial role, presiding over public ceremonies.

List of Sheriffs of Dorset

1901–1973

List of High Sheriffs of Dorset

2001–present

References

• The history of the worthies of England, Volume 1 By Thomas Fuller

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dorset's High Sheriff . . 2008 . 5 September 2008.
2. "Sheriffs appointed for a county or Greater London shall be known as high sheriffs, and any reference in any enactment or instrument to a sheriff shall be construed accordingly in relation to sheriffs for a county or Greater London." (Web site: Government Act 1972: Section 219 .)