Introducing...
The Sheriff of York 2024-2025
Fiona Fitzpatrick
History
By the Charter of Richard II drawn up on 18th May 1396 the three bailiffs who had been chosen by their predecessors in office were replaced by two sheriffs elected by the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors. The election was held on 21st September and the year of Office started at Michaelmas. The Sheriff's duties are summarised in the Bailiff's Oath of 1353. They were responsible for the payment of the City's fee farm rent to the King and had to enforce the assizes of bread and ale and other market regulations; empanel jurors, do justice to rich and poor and collect the issues of the City Courts.
As the ranks of the Aldermen were filled by past Sheriffs, the Shrievalty was a step towards the Mayoralty. Each Sheriff of York had his own Sergeant-at-Mace responsible for making summonses and arrests, and also a Clerk. According to the decree of 1419 the Sheriffs were to be preceded through the City by a Sergeant and have an 'honest servant' at their back. This rule, amongst other demands, made holding the Office of Sheriff very expensive. In addition the Sheriff had to provide an Annual Feast for the dignitaries of the City and a further dinner following the annual 'riding' during which they proclaimed the byelaws of the City at various places.
The civic party 2021 with Cllr Ashley
Mason elected as Sheriff of York
As the ranks of the Aldermen were filled by past Sheriffs, the Shrievalty was a step towards the Mayoralty. Each Sheriff of York had his own Sergeant-at-Mace responsible for making summonses and arrests, and also a Clerk. According to the decree of 1419 the Sheriffs were to be preceded through the City by a Sergeant and have an 'honest servant' at their back. This rule, amongst other demands, made holding the Office of Sheriff very expensive. In addition the Sheriff had to provide an Annual Feast for the dignitaries of the City and a further dinner following the annual 'riding' during which they proclaimed the byelaws of the City at various places.
In 1762 it was noted that, for their post election feast, the Sheriffs were expected to provide eleven gallons of red and white wine; six shillings worth of bread; two tablecloths; six napkins; sugar; cups; glasses and two tea-kettles. The Sheriffs normally wore black gowns but at their election were expected to have scarlet ones for election day and other formal occasions such as the Assizes and Quarter sessions. The fine for refusing to serve as Sheriff was considerable - £100 in the early nineteenth century. Fines from non-residents elected to Office but unable or unwilling to serve made substantial contributions to the City's revenues.
The Sheriff hed a Court of pleas most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays which gradually became less and then only weekly and mainly for pleas of debt and trespass. The Sheriff had his own prison - the Sheriff's Kidcote on Ouse Bridge for felons and misdemeanants.
There were two Sheriffs up until the Municipal Reform act of 1835 which reduced the number to one. Their responsibilities diminished considerably as the Court over which they had presided was discontinued. The role then rapidly became more ceremonial.
The Sheriff's Chain
The sheriff's gold chain and badge were given by Alderman Thomas Walker in 1893. The sheriff's and under-sheriff's staffs were given by Reginald Teasdale, under-sheriff, in 1921, and the sheriff's lady's chain by J. H. Turner in 1919
Customs and Traditions
Sheriff's Riding
Each year on winter solstice (December 21st) the traditional 'Sheriff's Riding' takes place after sunset. It is now a blend of two ancient traditions: the 'Sheriff's Ride' and 'Yulegirthol'.
The 'Sheriff's Ride' originally took place in November and is referenced in records as far back as 1419 but is believed to be much older. The event is a ceremonial ride around the City proclaiming the by-laws of York at various places.
The lavish procession is still headed by the York Waits dressed in scarlet livery playing loud and jubilant music.
The custom now incorporates the 'Yulegirthol' ceremony which traditionally marked the start of 'Yule' on 21st December (winter solstice and St Thomas's Day)
The city's Sheriffs (now one) would welcome the arrival of the High Feast of Yule by reading the 'Yoole-girthol', a benevolent proclamation that "all manner of whores, thieves, dice-players and other unthrifty folk" were welcome in the city during the Twelve Days (of Yule).
In recent times the event commences with the Sheriff's proclamation at Micklegate Bar. Usually on foot but still accompanied by a considerable and colourful procession further proclamations and horn blowing take place at several points along the route. The event finishes at the Mansion House where the Sheriff of York delivers a speech still welcoming to the City “whores, thieves, diceplayers and other unthrifty folk” for the period of twelve days of Yule.
Cllr Jonathon Tyler Sheriff of York 2016-2017 inspects the quality of beer at the Assize of Ale
Cllr Verna Campbell, Sheriff of York 2018 reading a proclamation at the start of York's Assize of Ale
Sheriff's Riding
Cllr Jonathon Tyler Sheriff of York delivers his concluding speech at the Sheriff's Riding , 2016.
York Assize of
Bread and Ale
Each year (subject to the Sheriff of York's approval) on a Saturday in August another ancient tradition is revisited. The assize is taken from a medieval custom whereby the Sheriff would summon his men to visit the ale houses in the city and taste the ale to ensure it was palatable. The custom was revived as a charity fund raising event by the Guild of Scriveners over 25 years ago.
The event stems from the Sheriff of York's duty, as far back as Richard II's reign around 1396, to hold the City's publicans to account for the beer they served - a preventative measure against cheating on measures, quality and price.
In 2023, the Sheriff reintroduced the 'Bread' into the Assize by holding a holding a competition for the best Artisan loaf for local bakers. The Sheriff follows a route around the City's participating pubs assisted by their 'Sergeants' to check the quality of beers. The group is accompanied by the City Waits and other citizens willing to help with the difficult and onerous task!
Summons
to the
Assize of Ale
In the court of the Sheriff of the City
and County of the City of York.
Whereas by Licence and Charter of his late Majesty Henry III of that name, the King’s Sheriff of York has full correction, punishing hearing and determining of all manner of felonies, trespass and extortions in the City and County of the City of York; and
Whereas by custom and practice of the City and County aforesaid the said Sheriff shall give notice to his/her Lord, the Mayor, of his deeming it right and proper to hold an Assize of Ale; and
Whereas the said Sheriff has, by these presents, given notice to his/her Lord, the Mayor, that he/she thinks it right and proper and fitting that an Assize of Ale shall be purposed to be taken;
It is hereby ordered and decreed that you, our right trusty and well beloved own kindred freeman shall be seized of the Office of Serjeant of this City for the purpose of the said Assize.
And it is further ordered and decreed that our Serjeant shall present him/herself in full and goodly apparel, before the said Court at the Guildhall, York, for the purposes of the said Assize at (date) and shall carry with him/her a goodly goblet and shall take with her such porters and other diverse persons as shall be meet and proper for him/her to acquit herself of his/her duties in the said Office of Serjeant.
And it is further ordered and decreed that the said Sheriff shall hold an inquest when the said Court is most full of most honest persons and the said inquest shall be charged to enquire of the prices and wholesomeness of ale in every degree as it shall be purveyed in this our City and when the inquest has been taken, its verdict shall be delivered up to our Lord, the Mayor.
Under peine and forfeit and penalty.
That if you, our right trusty and well beloved, shall not be presented as aforesaid, or in any wise shall not be to the Sheriff seeming right and fitting to the said Office, then the King’s Sheriff shall have judgement to go to the pillory at the will of the said Sheriff and the fine shall belong to the Sheriff:
By Order (Sheriff of York)
By the grace of God and the pleasure of His Majesty
Sheriff of the City and County of the City of York
Given at York this (date)
Into the 21st Century
Sheriff of York 2021, Ashley Mason promotes the role and history of the Office and increases the 'reach' to people through social media
York's Office of Sheriff and its role has changed over the years in keeping with political and social shifts. Before the Sheriff is appointed the Lord Mayor-Elect is consulted as the two must work closely through their year in Office. The Sheriff ranks next to the Lord Mayor in civic dignity and is entitled to the deference of all citizens.
Although elected by the City Council, the Sheriff is still the Sovereign's representative in the City and attends H.M. Judges when they visit the City three times a year.
The Sheriff also formally oversees arrangements for Parliamentary elections. They assist and deputise for the Lord Mayor of York and serve to promote the City, the role and Office of Sheriff and support local residents how and when they can.
An important function in the 21st Century is to help with fund-raising for local charities. Normally for the Mayor's chosen
charities the Sheriff can support or organise fund raising events in their own right.
The Guild of Scrivemers, raise money on behalf of the Sheriff of York through the Assize of Ale.
The Sheriff of York, Jo Trythall worked with the Mayor of York to choose three Charities to support through fundraising
Sheriffs of York
Year Sheriff
1984 Kenneth King
1985 Malcolm Bartram
1986 David Wilde
1987 Paul Milling
1988 Ken Cooper
1989 William Richardson
1990 Peter Brown
1991 Bernard Bell
1992 Cyril Waite
1993 David Horwell
1994 Sue Cooke
1995 Reginald Pulleyn
1996 Kenneth Cooper
1997 Eurig Thomas
1998 Bernard Bell
1999 Harry Briggs
2000 Barrie Ferguson
2001 Janet Greenwood
2002 Martin Brumby
2003 Keith Orrell
2004 Robert Scrase
Year Sheriff
2005 Gilbert Nimmo
2006 Richard Baldwin
2007 Keith Hyman
2008 David Wylde
2009 Jill Burnett
2010 Richard Watson
2011 Alan Deller
2012 Paul Firth
2013 Brian Watson
2014 John Kenny
2015 Brian Smith
2016 Jonathan Tyler
2017 Gillian Brian
2018 Verna Campbell
2019 Dafydd Williams (22/05 - 25/07)
Jo Trythall (from 26/07)
2020 Jo Trythall
2021 Ashley Mason
2022 Suzie Mercer
2023 Sue Hunter
2024 Fiona Fitzpatrick
