Many familiar faces as Sheriff of Norwich over the decades

Before 1403 the city bailiffs only had limited authority under the jurisdiction of the King’s sheriff of the county (known as the High Sheriff).

The Scout’s St George’s Day parade in Norwich. Sheriff of Norwich, from 2015-16, Beryl Blower talking to the scouts (Image: Newsquest Archive)

There is no real difference between a city sheriff and a high sheriff today, but every county in England and Wales has a high sheriff appointed annually while there are now only 15 city and town sheriffs.

Mabel Clarkson, Sheriff from 1928-29 and went on to be the first lady mayor in 1930-31 (Image: Submitted/Newsquest Archive)

There was a time when the sheriffs of Norwich held a county court, hearing cases involving debt and trespass but the office dwindled over the years and by 1974 the duties were purely ceremonial.

The city council decided to apply for a new charter so it could retain some of the traditional privileges including the right to appoint a sheriff as a “local officer of dignity.”

Norwich Lord Mayor, Sir Arthur South, at Thorpe Station with local dignitaries to welcome the arrival of the diesel train, 1956. Sir Arthur South was Sheriff from 1953-54 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

Today they are men and women from all walks of life with one thing in common…a passion and a love for the people and places they represent for one extraordinary twelve months.

A year when they can represent, help and support the community….raising money for good causes, goodwill and so much more.

Geoffrey Goreham was Sheriff of Norwich between 1985-86, photographed here in 1982 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

The sheriff does not wear political colours.. They are representing the city in many different ways. It is also a time of much learning.

So often the sheriff is there to thank them, on behalf of the city, for all they do and achieve.

Sheriff of Norwich, from 2002-03, Bryan Gunn at Mousehold Heath Fete, July 2002 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

It is the people who make this city tick and why it is a great place to live.

Former sheriffs include football legend Bryan Gunn and broadcaster Roy Waller. The first female sheriff was Mabel Clarkson back in 1928 with Caroline Jarrold served two years, from 2021 to 2013 because of Covid.

In March 2008, Radio Norfolk presenter Roy Waller celebrates the announcement that he is to be the next Sheriff of Norwich serving from 2008-09 (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

At the end of September more than 100 sheriffs and former sheriffs from across the country will be arriving in Norwich for the annual gathering of the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs.

The Sheriff of Norwich, Caroline Jarrold, speaks during the James Stuart garden centenary celebrations, September 2022 (Image: DENISE BRADLEY/NEWSQUEST)

There will be a reception at the Castle, meetings at City Hall, tours of the city, a special dinner at Blackfriars and a service at St Peter Mancroft Church.

Snap and the Whifflers clearing the way for the festival celebrations in 1951, passing by the Guildhall, Norwich. (Image: Newsquest Archive)

And our guests will receive a unique Norwich welcome from…the Whifflers and Snap the Dragon.