High Sheriff of Somerset

The Office of High Sheriff of Somerset, until 1974 called Sheriff of Somerset, is an ancient shrievalty which has been in existence for over one thousand years.

On 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, the office of Sheriff of Somerset was retitled as High Sheriff of Somerset.

The position of Sheriff was once a powerful one, the holders being responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing law and order in Somerset a county in South West England. In modern times the sheriff has become a ceremonial officer of the Crown, attending or presiding over many public events. Until 1567 the Sheriff of Somerset was also Sheriff of Dorset.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland the high sheriff is theoretically the Sovereign's judicial representative in the county, while the Lord Lieutenant is the Sovereign's personal representative. Their jurisdictions, the "shrieval counties", are no longer co-terminous with administrative areas, representing a mix between the ancient counties and more recent local authority areas. The post is unpaid, except for a small court attendance allowance, and the general expenses of the office are borne personally by the holder. Eligibility for nomination and appointment of High Sheriffs is controlled by the Sheriffs Act of 1887.

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