High Sheriff
The Office of High Sheriff is at least 1,000 years old having its roots in Saxon times before the Norman Conquest. It is the oldest continuous secular Office under the crown.
Originally the office held many of the powers now vested in Lord Lieutenants, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Local Authorities, Coroners and even the Inland Revenue.
The current role of the High Sheriff is the Sovereign's representative in the County for matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. The appointments are made annually by the Queen.
The High Sheriff of Dorset for 2013 - 2014 is: Mrs Catriona Payne
To contact the High Sheriff of Dorset or for information on previous post holders please visit the website for
The High Sheriffs' Association of England and Wales (opens in a new window) 
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