HATFIELD House’s Lord Charles Cecil is in line for one of the oldest and most prestigious positions of state.
For Lord Cecil – the younger brother of Lord Salisbury – has been formally nominated as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. On his nomination Lord Cecil told the WHT: “I am very honoured to be nominated and looking forward to being involved with all the people in the public, voluntary and private sector which make Hertfordshire work.
“It is particularly appropriate as the family will be celebrating 400 years at Hatfield.”
The position of sheriff, or shire reeve, dates back to before the Norman Conquest and many are thought to have led contingents at the Battle of Hastings.
On defeating the Saxons William the Conqueror kept the office and added to their powers.
Today High Sheriffs are seen largely as a representative of the monarch and attend Royal functions.
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