High Sheriff of Londonderry City facts for kids
The High Sheriff of Londonderry City, also known as the High Sheriff of Derry, is like a special representative for the King or Queen in the city of Derry. It's a very old and important job, but today it's mostly about ceremonies and traditions.
This position was officially created in 1900. Before that, the city council used to elect sheriffs. Now, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland officially appoints the High Sheriff on behalf of the King. Usually, the person who is currently the High Sheriff gets to suggest who should take over next!
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History of the High Sheriff Role
The job of a High Sheriff has been around for a very long time, even before the Norman Conquest in 1066, going back to Saxon times! In the beginning, a sheriff was appointed for life by the King or Queen. But from 1258, it became a job that was appointed every year.
Besides helping with legal matters, the High Sheriff also has ceremonial duties and helps with administrative tasks. They are responsible for making sure law and order are kept in their area.
In 1908, a new rule made the lord-lieutenant the King's main representative in a county. This meant the High Sheriff's role became less about daily power and more about tradition and ceremony.
While the High Sheriff job ended in many parts of Ireland in 1922, it still exists in Northern Ireland. This includes the six counties and two main cities: Belfast and Derry.
Sheriffs of the City of Londonderry (Before 1900)
Before the official title of "High Sheriff" was created in 1900, there were "Sheriffs" of Londonderry City. At first, there were two sheriffs each year, but later it changed to just one. They were chosen by the city council.
Here are some of the earliest sheriffs:
- 1613: William Glynne and Robert Griffith (These were the very first Sheriffs of Londonderry!)
- 1613: Edward Doddington
- 1623: Thomas Keyes and Hugh Thompson
- 1624: Tobias Smyth and George Handcock
- 1642–1647: Robert Lawson
Over the centuries, many people held this important position, helping to manage the city's affairs and keep the peace.
High Sheriffs of the City of Londonderry (After 1900)
From 1900 onwards, the title officially became High Sheriff of the City of Londonderry. Sir John Barre Johnston was the first person to hold this new title.
Here are some of the High Sheriffs from different periods:
- 1900: Sir John Barre Johnston
- 1903: Matthew Anderson Ballantine
- 1904: Sir John McFarland, 1st Baronet
- 1930–1938: Colonel Sir Basil Alexander Talbot McFarland, 2nd Baronet
- 1952: Colonel Sir Basil Alexander Talbot McFarland, 2nd Baronet of Aberfoyle
High Sheriffs in the 21st Century
The role continues to be an important part of the city's traditions today.
- 2000: William Francis Graham Hunter
- 2001: Florence M. M. Sloan
- 2002: John Charles McGinnis of Eglinton
- 2003: John Carson Ian Warnock of Londonderry
- 2004: Margaret Claire Lee of Londonderry
- 2005: Ian Alexander Young of Londonderry
- 2006: Jack Andrew Clark McFarland of Claudy
- 2007: Richard John Sterling of Coleraine
- 2008: Eamon Gee
- 2009: Ian William Crowe
- 2010: Hugh Christopher Hegarty
- 2011: Steven Lindsay
- 2012: Ann Murray Cavanagh
- 2013: James Kerr
- 2014: Jonathan Snyder
- 2014: Robert Dunn of Caw Park
- 2015: Vindi Torney
- 2016: Patricia O'Kane of Londonderry
- 2017: Mary Bradley of Ballyshaskey
- 2018: Agnes Geraldine Gavin of Londonderry
- 2019: Julia Elizabeth Kee of Londonderry
- 2020: James Richard Doherty of Prehen
- 2021: Linda Heaney, Londonderry
- 2022: Paul Howie of Deanfield, Londonderry
- 2023: Angela Norma Mary Thompson of Londonderry
