Law and order, City style.

There’s a new sherriff in town. Well, two actually and neither have anything to do with John Wayne (pictured) or carry guns. On Wednesday the traditional election of the Sherriffs took place at the Guildhall with the liverymen of the City’s Livery Companies casting their votes. The results were:

• COOK, Peter Joseph   Votes cast:  1199
• OLIVER, Timothy Patrick Camroux  Votes cast: 689
• WOOTTON, Alderman David Hugh  Votes cast: 1711

Congratulations to the two winning applicants, David and Peter, and they’ll officially take up their posts on Friday 25 September in time to preside at the Election of the Lord Mayor on Tuesday 29 September.

The term Sherriff apparently comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “reeve”, meaning “official” and the “Shire Reeve” was the most important official in his shire (area). By the time of the Norman conquest in 1066 “Shire Reeve” was contracted down to “Sherriff” gave us the title we know today and gave Hollywood the leading character for a thousand Westerns. Originally selected by the King the power to choose them was devolved in the 12th century and they have been elected positions ever since. It is commonly understood that the office of Sheriff of is a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor.

I doubt they’ll take kindly to anyone saying “Get off your horse and drink your milk” so I won’t advise that you try it.