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The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight

The Office of High Sheriff in England and Wales began over one thousand years ago and is the oldest continuous secular Office under the Crown. High Sheriffs were originally the main tax collectors for the King; they "farmed" their bailiwicks which were based on the Domesday survey. The High Sheriff is the Sovereign's representative on all matters appertaining to civil law and order, and comes second in precedence to the County's Lord-Lieutenant.

Historically, the High Sheriff had various duties, including:

  • Attends Royal visits to the Isle of Wight
  • Provides hospitality and looks after the well-being of High Court Judges visiting the Isle of Wight
  • Acts as the Returning Officer for parliamentary elections
  • Is responsible for the proclamation of the accession of a new Sovereign
  • Maintains the loyalty of subjects to the Crown

Today the High Sheriff's duties, in addition to those functions listed above, include:

  • Undertakes duties to support and encourage voluntary and statutory organisations engaged in all aspects of civil law and order
  • Works with organisations involved with young people, particularly those that seek to keep them from drifting into crime
  • Makes awards to those who, in the opinion of the Judges at a criminal trial, have been active in the apprehension of certain offenders
  • Participates in Citizenship Ceremonies
  • Is advised and assisted by a legally trained Under-Sheriff


Further details on the current High Sheriff and the history of the High Sheriffs of the Isle of Wight can be found at www.highsheriff-iow.org.uk