High Sheriff of Tyrone facts for kids
The High Sheriff of Tyrone is a special person who represents the King or Queen in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Think of them as the King's or Queen's main helper for legal and official things in the county. They have important jobs like helping with court matters, taking part in special events, and making sure official court orders are carried out.
Contents
History of the High Sheriff Role
The idea of a "Sheriff" is very old, even older than the Norman Conquest in 1066! It goes all the way back to Saxon times in England. At first, a High Sheriff was chosen by the King or Queen for their whole life. But after 1258, with something called the Provisions of Oxford, they started being chosen for just one year at a time.
In 1908, a new rule was made that said the Lord-Lieutenant would be the King's or Queen's main representative in a county. This meant the High Sheriff's role became a bit less important in terms of official rank. However, the High Sheriff still has important duties. They are still responsible for helping to keep law and order in their county.
The role of High Sheriff stopped existing in the parts of Ireland that became the Irish Free State in 1922. But it is still an important position in the counties of Northern Ireland, like Tyrone.
High Sheriffs of Tyrone
Many people have held the important role of High Sheriff of Tyrone over the centuries. This section lists some of the individuals who served in this position.
17th Century High Sheriffs
Here are a few examples of High Sheriffs from the 1600s:
- 1606: Sir Henry Oge O'Neil
- 1607: Edmond Leigh
- 1620: Sir William Caulfeild
- 1640: Sir Thomas Staples, 1st Baronet of Lissan House
- 1661: Sir Alexander Staples
- 1675: Daniel Eccles of Shannock
- 1691: Oliver M'Causland
18th Century High Sheriffs
The 1700s also saw many people take on this role. Here are some of them:
- 1700: John Caulfeild
- 1703: Sir Robert Staples, 4th Baronet of Lissan House
- 1719: Robert Lowry
- 1733: Galbraith Lowry
- 1755: Andrew Thomas (Stewart later Stewart-Moore), 9th Baron Castle Stewart
- 1768: Armar Lowry-Corry, 1st Earl Belmore
- 1780: James Alexander, 1st Earl of Caledon
- 1789: Sir William Richardson, 1st Baronet of Augher
- 1792: Hon. Arthur Cole-Hamilton of Beltrim Castle
19th Century High Sheriffs
In the 1800s, the High Sheriff continued to play a key role in the county.
- 1800: Hamilton Gorges, jnr
- 1809: Sir John Stewart, 1st Baronet, of Athenree
- 1825: Sir Robert Alexander Ferguson, 2nd Baronet of Farm, Derry
- 1842: James Molyneux, Earl of Charlemont
- 1858: Sir John Marcus Stewart, 3rd Baronet of Ballygawley
- 1863: James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn
- 1880: Captain James H. Stronge, Tynan Abbey, Tynan.
- 1888: Hugh de Fellenburg Montgomery of Blessingbourne House
- 1893: Sir Hutcheson Poë, 1st Baronet of Heywood, Ballinakill
20th Century High Sheriffs
The role continued into the 1900s, adapting to modern times.
- 1901: Armar Lowry-Corry, 5th Earl Belmore
- 1916: Cecil Lowry-Corry, 6th Earl Belmore
- 1928: Maj.-General Hugh M. de Fellenberg Montgomery of Blessingbourne House, Fivemiletown
- 1939: Captain Ynyr Alfred Burges of Parkanaur House, Castle Caulfield
- 1946: James Edward Hamilton, 4th Duke of Abercorn of Baronscourt
- 1953: Brigadier John Alexander Sinton, V.C., F.R.S., Slaghtfreedan Lodge, Cookstown
- 1966: Major-General Thomas Patrick David Scott of Mullaghmore House, Omagh
- 1970: The Most Honourable the Marquess of Hamilton, M.P. of Barons Court, Newtownstewart
- 1978: Raymond Blakely McCartney
- 1999: Angela F. Colhoun of Omagh
21st Century High Sheriffs
The High Sheriff of Tyrone continues to serve today.
- 2000: Rowland Ralph Terence Cummings of Tullyhogue, Cookstown
- 2005: Sydney Gamble of Strabane
- 2009: Dr Brendan J. O'Hare of Castlederg
- 2012: Dr Clare Cassidy (nee Monaghan) of Killeeshil Glebe, Dungannon co Tyrone.
- 2015: Dr Lisheen Elizabeth Coloumba Cassidy Webb, Tullydooey House, Blackwatertown Co.Tyrone.
- 2018: Barry McGonigle of Omagh
- 2023: Helen Irene Anderson, of Omagh
