The High Sheriff's House (02-03)

Historical narrative

Built circa 1715, the High Sheriff's House, also known as the Sarah Buck House, was demolished in 1965. The history of the high sheriff is an interesting one. In colonial times, the high sheriff was appointed by the Crown to serve as the Sovereign's representative for maintaining law and order in a county. The position originated in Saxon times as the shire reeve (hence the portmanteau, or blended word, “sheriff”). The role was once the powerful, often-despised chief enforcer and tax collector for the Monarch. After independence, the role of sheriff remained, but without the royal connection.

Watercolor

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