Sheriffs of Essex

In England, control of the Shires was from the early 11th century delegated to ‘shire reeves’, an office retained by the Normans. From the 12th century, what came to be called sheriffs were generally chosen annually by the Crown to prevent them building excessive local powerbases. They became the most important executive figure in each county.

Gradually other officials, such as Coroners, and Justices of the Peace took much of their authority and during the 16th century sheriffs courts lost significance. Commonly called the High Sheriff the position retains considerable social cachet and up to the 19th century he remained important through his control of shire elections.

The High Sheriffs are still appointed today although they only have ceremonial and minor judicial powers.

Below is a list of High Sheriffs appointed for the County of Essex from this locality:

1761 – Sir Charles Smith, Bart., of Theydon.

1773 – John Archer of Coopersale.

1798 – Capel Cure of Blake Hall, Ongar.

1809 – J. Rutherford Abby of Albyns, Stapleford Abbots.

1811 – Charles Smith of Suttons, Stapleford Tawney.

1828 – Sir Charles Smith of Suttons, Stapleford Tawney.

1830 – Capel Cure of Blake Hall, Ongar.

1843 – H. J. Conyers, of Copped Hall.

1846 – John Clarmont Whiteman of The Grove, Theydon Garnon.

1852 – Sir Charles Cunliffe Smith of Suttons, Stapleford Tawney.

1875 – Sir Thomas Neville Abby of Albyns, Stapleford Abbots.

1873 – Philip John Budworth of Greensted Hall, Ongar.

1884 – Sir Thomas Neville Abby of Albyns, Stapleford Abbots.

1889 – Sir William Woweyer-Smith, Bart., of Hill Hall, Theydon Mount.

1892 – William Swayne Chisenhale-Marsh of Gaynes Park, Coopersale.