The Sheriff of Chester stirred the curiosity of our Lower School girls this week when she arrived in a chauffeur driven car and stepped out in her whole regalia. Our guest at Monday’s assembly was Councillor Gill Watson who was ready to take questions about her role of Sheriff, a title which she will hold for one year.
The girls discovered that Chester was the first English town to have sheriffs during the 1120’s whose duty would have been to take care of law and order. Back then there would be have been two sheriffs, one chosen by the Mayor and one by the people of Chester. Since 1835 there has been just one sheriff each year chosen by the council.
When asked what her role of Sheriff entails Councillor Watson explained that she supports the Lord Mayor at ceremonies and functions and has enjoyed meeting lots of members of the community at local festivals and events. She helps the Mayor with fundraising for their chosen charities and also has to count the silverware at Chester Town Hall to make sure it all present and correct.
The Sheriff was pleased to show the girls her beautiful solid gold chain which has been worn by sheriffs since the Town Hall first opened in 1869. This means that both the Town Hall and the chain will be 150 years old this year! Keen to know why there were animals on her badge, the Sheriff explained that the Lion was to represent England and the Wolf represents Chester. A few lucky girls were able to get a close up look at the chain and badge at the end of assembly.
