Nominations for the Shrievalty are made each year in the High Court, on the Morrow of Martinmas,12th November. Then the Queen, in a meeting of the Privy Council, appoints the High Sheriffs, one to each County. She does so by pricking each name with a bodkin, following an innovation of Elizabeth I, who is said to have been doing her needlework at the time.

The year of office begins when the High Sheriff formally makes his "Declaration", usually in early April. As well as being responsible for the well-being of Her Majesty's Judges in the County, the High Sheriff has several public duties, such as that of being Returning Officer for the County for Parliamentary and European elections.

Furthermore, the High Sheriff undertakes to support those involved in voluntary work, and to raise their profile. High Sheriffs liaise with people involved in all spheres of law and order, and with both victims of crime and offenders, the Police, the Probation service, Prisons and community service organisations. The independent and non-political nature of the office enables High Sheriffs to bring together a wide range of people within the community they serve.

The Shrievalty of Hertfordshire

In the year 959 King Edgar is believed to have established Hertford as the principal borough of the shire that bears its name. He appointed a 'Scirgerefa' or Shire Reeve to act in effect as governor of the new County, holding in his name both civil and military power.

In the early Middle Ages one Sheriff held office for both Essex and Hertfordshire. The most notorious of these was the 'Iron Earl', Geoffrey de Mandeville, first Earl of Essex. He was in office during the troubled years of civil war between King Stephen and Maud, daughter of Henry I. Playing each side off against the other, it is recorded by the chronicler Matthew Paris of St Albans that in 1143, during a 'fearful affray, due to the violation of the Abbey's right of sanctuary', he was arrested. He secured his release by yielding to Stephen all his castles, including the Tower of London. He eventually took refuge in the Fens, living the life of the archetypal robber baron.

Over the centuries, High Sheriffs have relinquished several of their once extensive duties to other authorities, including responsibility for defence, public safety, prisons, taxation and local administration; but they retain an important and active role in liaising between the diverse agencies involved in administering law and order in the name of the Crown. They play an increasingly important role in supporting the many grass roots voluntary groups that do such invaluable work throughout Hertfordshire. The High Sheriff also makes annual awards for outstanding achievements in the voluntary sector.

Henry VII

Maj The Hon Thomas Edward Baron Dimsdale MC DL - Barkway

Martin Acland JP DL - High Cross

John Lockhart Wood JP DL- Great Gaddesden

The Honorable Mrs Blount (Susan) - Barkway

The Revd Teddy Faure Walker DL - Sandon