High Sheriff of Berkshire
The High Sheriff of Berkshire, in common with other counties, was originally the King's representative on taxation upholding the law in Saxon times. The word Sheriff evolved from 'shire-reeve'.
The title of High Sheriff is therefore much older than the other crown appointment, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, which came about after 1545. Between 1248 and 1566, Berkshire and Oxfordshire formed a joint shrievalty. See High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.
Unlike the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, which is generally held from appointment until the holder's death or incapacity, the title of High Sheriff is appointed / reappointed annually. The High Sheriff is assisted by an Under-Sheriff of Berkshire.1248–1566
See High Sheriff of Berkshire and Oxfordshire for incumbents during this period.
1350
John de Alveton, Sheriff of Berks., replies that he has delivered to William de Emeldon, clerk, all the chattels of Geoffrey de Weston and half his lands, as in the extent drawn up in Geoffrey's absence.1567–1599
1600–1699
1700–1799
1800–1899
1900–1999
2000–present
