High Sheriff of Dorset

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.

  1. ^ "Dorset's High Sheriff". BBC. 2008. Retrieved 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." ("Government Act 1972: Section 219".[permanent dead link])