The High Sheriff of Dorset 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 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 Dorset. In modern times the high sheriff has become a ceremonial role, presiding over public ceremonies.
List of Sheriffs of Dorset
1066–1226
1567–1599
1600–1699
1701–1799
List of High Sheriffs of Dorset
1974–2000
2001–present
References The history of the worthies of England, Volume 1 By Thomas Fuller
Bibliography (with amendments of 1963, Public Record Office)