The role of High Sheriff is one of the oldest public offices in the United Kingdom, dating back more than 1,000 years.
Today, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire is a ceremonial and voluntary position focused on supporting the justice system, emergency services, charities and community organisations across the county.
But historically, the role carried enormous power, including responsibility for law and order, collecting taxes and even overseeing executions.
So what exactly does a High Sheriff do today? How are they chosen, and why does Bedfordshire still have one?
What is a High Sheriff?
The High Sheriff is the King’s representative for law and order within a county.
The office is regarded as the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown itself, with origins tracing back to Anglo-Saxon England.
The name comes from “shire reeve”, an official appointed by the monarch to maintain order in a “shire”, now known as a county.
Over time, “shire reeve” became “sheriff”.
The role originally involved collecting taxes, supervising justice, and maintaining the Crown’s local authority.
What does the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire do today?
Read: Bedfordshire’s new High Sheriff wants to champion kindness, volunteers and young people
The modern High Sheriff no longer holds political or legal powers.
Instead, the role is largely ceremonial and community-focused.
The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire today supports:
- The judiciary and courts
- Police, fire and emergency services
- Charities and volunteers
- Community organisations
- Young people’s initiatives
- Civic and royal events
The role is unpaid and voluntary, with each High Sheriff serving for one year.
Current High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Ismail Anilmis, described the modern role as an opportunity to thank people who quietly make a difference in their communities.
“These days, we say thank you to people who do nice things in the county,” he told the Bedford Independent.
High Sheriffs also attend justice services, support visiting judges and may take part in royal visits within their county.
How is a High Sheriff chosen?
The process of becoming a High Sheriff begins years before the appointment itself.
In most counties, nominations begin around five years in advance.
Potential High Sheriffs go through interviews and vetting before their names are formally submitted.
Ten years of High Sheriffs
One of the oldest traditions linked to the role is the “pricking” ceremony.
Each year, the monarch approves the new High Sheriffs by literally pricking their names on a parchment list using a silver bodkin.
The tradition dates back centuries and is still carried out today.
According to one long-standing story, the tradition began because Queen Elizabeth I could not find a pen and instead used a bodkin to mark the chosen names.
Another explanation suggests the practice made it harder for names to be altered or forged.
Did High Sheriffs really oversee executions?
Yes.
Historically, High Sheriffs held extensive powers and responsibilities connected to justice and punishment.
In medieval England, sheriffs were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes and organising courts.
For centuries, they also had duties connected to prisons and executions.
The role gradually changed as powers transferred to judges, coroners, police forces and local government.
Remarkably, the last execution witnessed by a High Sheriff in the UK took place as recently as 1964.
Capital punishment was suspended in 1965 before being abolished for murder.
What powers did High Sheriffs once have?
Historically, High Sheriffs were among the most powerful figures in a county.
Responsibilities once included:
- Collecting taxes for the Crown
- Managing royal lands
- Maintaining law and order
- Organising courts
- Supervising elections
- Raising military forces
- Overseeing prisons and executions
Over hundreds of years, those powers gradually passed to other offices and institutions.
The introduction of Lord Lieutenants in the 16th century transferred military responsibilities, while courts, police forces and local authorities later assumed many of the remaining duties.
Why does Bedfordshire still have a High Sheriff?
Although the role no longer carries executive powers, supporters say it continues to provide an important civic link between the justice system, emergency services, charities and local communities.
The office also helps recognise volunteering and public service across Bedfordshire.
Each year, the High Sheriff attends dozens of community events, award ceremonies and charity initiatives throughout the county.
Many High Sheriffs choose particular causes to champion during their year in office, especially projects supporting young people, crime prevention and community cohesion.
Who is the current High Sheriff of Bedfordshire?
The current High Sheriff of Bedfordshire is Ismail Anilmis (2026).
Anilmis is a Bedfordshire businessman and charity supporter who has said his priorities for the year include encouraging kindness, recognising volunteers and supporting opportunities for young people.
“As High Sheriff, I would like everyone to encourage being nice,” he said.
“I really would like a call for community involvement and encouragement for young people, and recognising our volunteers out there.”
Where can I find out more?
More information about the role of the High Sheriff can be found on the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales website.
Information about the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy and civic roles in the county is available via Bedfordshire Lieutenancy.
