Past Talks
The Role of the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire
Date: 16th February 2026
Speaker: John May
In the concluding months of his role as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, John May shared the rich history associated with this position. As the oldest secular royal appointment in England, there has been a High Sheriff in Oxfordshire every year since before the Norman conquest. Up to the mid-20th century, these were all men, but there is now an equal mix of men and women holding the post for one year.
‘Sheriff’ derives from ‘shire-reeve’ which means that the office-holder is the monarch’s representative in the county, historically responsible for collecting taxes; administrating crown lands and raising an army. The administration of justice also fell within their jurisdiction, which included summoning juries and executing sentences. Traditionally, the High Sheriff attended executions and purchased the hangman’s rope: a situation which persisted up until the end of capital punishment in 1969 (for the most serious offences) and 1998 (for treason).
High Sheriffs were particularly powerful during the 11th & 12th centuries. Prominent among those holding the role at this time were Robert D’Oyly, who built Oxford Castle, and Thomas Basset, who was a judge who served from 1163-1164.
The Bayeux Tapestry shows Edward the Confessor in conversation with shire-reeve, Saewold.
Sheriffs often exerted their own power and were seen by Parliament as being a major threat to the Magna Carta, which, whilst seeking to limit the power of the monarchy, also included twenty-seven clauses which restrained the power of High Sheriffs. This included the edict that they should have no call on the public purse and, to this day, appointees cover their own expenses.
The High Sheriffs’ outfits stopped evolving in the Georgian period, so that the main colour is black, crimson or dark blue. In Oxfordshire, hats are part of the costume, but only ever carried, rather than being worn. The sword is a replica of a 18th/19th century officer’s sword and the jacket includes a wig purse on the back originally intended to prevent grease or powder from the wig spoiling the jacket.
The selection process is unchanged in 400 years. A secret committee, whose principal members include the Bishop of Oxford, the Chief Constable and the Lord Lieutenant present a list of three candidates to the King, who makes the final choice during a special meeting of the Privy Council. John May is also Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, focussing on Cherwell, and holds the Lieutenancy’s youth organisations brief for the County. The High Sheriff is supported by a dedicated Shrieval Team, a group of committed volunteers who assist in fulfilling the ceremonial, civic, and community-focused duties of the role. This includes the Under Sherrif and the Shrieval Remembrancer.
The 20th century saw a move from power to influence. Sir Algernon Peyton of Swifts House, Stoke Lyne held the post in 1928 and Major George Gosling of Stratton Audley Park in 1933. The latter worked to address the challenges of poverty between the
wars. In 1945, Randal Smith, Second Lord Bicester, who lived at Tusmore Park, focussed on rebuilding local food production and establishing stability after the war.
The office of High Sheriff has survived because it has adapted to meet the needs of local communities. John May’s focus is on pulling individual and organisations together to support young people. In collaboration with local schools, Thames Valley Police and local councillors, anti-social behaviour has been addressed in Didcot by building shelters for young people to gather in. A similar scheme is being considered for Pioneer Square in Bicester.