The High Sheriff of

Dorset Dorset ( ; archaically: Dorsetshire , ) is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The ceremonial county comprises the unitary authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset. Covering an area of , ...

is an ancient high sheriff title which has been in existence for over one thousand years. 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 Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed local government in England and Wales on 1 April 1974. It was one of the most significant Acts of Parliament to be passed by the Heath Gov ...

, the title of Sheriff of Dorset was retitled High Sheriff of Dorset."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." () The position was once a powerful position responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing law and order in

. In modern times the high sheriff has become a ceremonial role, presiding over public ceremonies.

List of Sheriffs of Dorset

1066–1700

1701–1800

1801–1900

1901–1973

List of High Sheriffs of Dorset

1974–2000

2001–present

References

The history of the worthies of England, Volume 1 By Thomas Fuller
{{High Shrievalties

History of Dorset Local government in Dorset High Sheriff