Bailiff facts for kids

A bailiff is a special officer who works for the government or a court. They have different jobs, but often they help make sure laws are followed or that court orders are carried out. The word "bailiff" comes from an old Latin word, baiulivus.

Bailiffs in History

Early Bailiffs in Britain

The word "bailiff" was first used in England a long time ago. It described important officers who worked for the king. These officers included people like sheriffs and mayors. A sheriff was in charge of a large area called a "bailiwick."

A bailiff could also be the main officer of a "hundred," which was a smaller area of land. Some important towns and royal castles still have leaders called bailiffs today. For example, there is the High Bailiff of Westminster and the Bailiff of Dover Castle.

In the Middle Ages, on a large farm called a manor, a bailiff was in charge of all the farming work. They made sure the crops were grown and harvested properly.

Images for kids

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  Ontario provincial bailiff shoulder patch

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  A friendly robot