The High Sheriff of East Sussex is a current title which has existed since 1974; the holder is changed annually every March. For around 1,000 years the county of Sussex was covered by a single High Sheriff of Sussex but after the Local Government Act 1972 the title was split to cover the newly created counties of East Sussex and West Sussex.
The position was once a powerful position responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing law and order in the county. In modern times the high sheriff has become a ceremonial role, presiding over public ceremonies.