The High Sheriff is the oldest secular office under the Crown. Formerly the High Sheriff was the principal law enforcement officer in the county but over the centuries most of the responsibilities associated with the post have been transferred elsewhere or are now defunct, so that its functions are now largely ceremonial. The High Sheriff changes every March.
From 1068 until 1567, the position existed as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests. From 1568 separate appointments were made for the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and for the High Sheriff of Derbyshire.