About
County History
Although the exact date of the introduction of the English Sheriff is unknown, in 1992 the Shrievalty Association celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the position of the English Sheriff, making it the oldest lay officer in English history, being mentioned in at least 27 of Magna Carta’s 63 clauses. The first recorded High Sheriff of Sussex was Gilbertos in 1086, followed by Robert FitzTerbald in the same year.
The role of the High Sheriff has indeed progressed since its beginning over 1,000 years ago, where initially he took care of the most important shire affairs for the King, whereas nowadays their role is mainly that of a symbol of English tradition. From collecting taxes during the Stuart era and supressing peasant revolt under the Plantagenets, their modern-day role has evolved into ensuring the well-being of the Judiciary, the Police, voluntary organisations and of course, supporting the Crown.
After the year 1242 the Shrievalty of Sussex and Surrey became united, with each new Sheriff being a ‘manorial Lord’ from either Sussex or Surrey, who held their position for between one to five years, until 1370, when the position began to be appointed each year, until 1635. The first Sheriff of Sussex and Surrey was Ralph de Camoys (1242-46), a knight who gained his position by inheriting the manor of Wotton from his father. It was also common for Sheriffs to have gained their experience in local government through being a bailiff, juror or even a deputy Sheriff. Certainly, it is true that in order to obtain the position of High Sheriff, one must have had sufficient land and wealth, for example, the Exchequer removed Walter de Utworth as Camoys’ deputy Sheriff in 1244 due to the fact he had inadequate estates. However, one must not omit that after 1235, particularly during the second half of the century, debt was not uncommon in the Shrievalty as a result of the termination of farming the Shire, as they now could not generate a rich harvest, keeping the excess for themselves, and thereby gained no profits from their position. The prime example of such debt is Geoffrey de Cruce (1255-57), whose debts were only paid off by his descendants seventy-six years after he held the position of High Sheriff, in 1333.
In the 13th century, the role of High Sheriff was more flexible in appointment, as some would hold their position for more than 1 year, which has not occurred since at least the start of the 19th century. For example, Nicholas le Gras held the position between 1280-1284, whilst some were replaced mid service, something which also occurred in the late 17th century, such as in 1694, where John Cooke replaced Sir John Brisco, but was also replaced himself within a month by William Pellatt. Similarly, there have been various periods throughout the Shrievalty of Sussex where the position has been dominated by the same people, such as Matthew FitzHerbert and Gilbert de Barier, who both held the office more than once between 1211-1229 and Roger de Loges, who also repeatedly fulfilled the position in 1263-64, 1265-67 and 1267-68.
In the 14th century there were various amendments made to the Shrievalty, which saw their power begin to decrease, for instance after 1300, few were in office for more than 2 years. Whilst in 1338 a short-lived experiment began, whereby the Shire would elect the Sheriffs (Godfrey de Hunston 1338-9 and William de Northo 1339-41). Perhaps most importantly was the introduction of the position of the Under Sheriff, a legal officer, clerk and treasurer to the High Sheriff. Their duties have largely remained consistent from its introduction, to the present day, such as keeping accounts and management of The Assizes/Crown Court.
Under the rule of the Tudors (1485-1603), the significance of the role of the Shrievalty decreased, going from a lucrative and authoritative position for Nicholas Gaynesford in 1485, to one of little benefit or authority for John Ashburnham in 1603. Although it is true that they held onto some power, in relation to their demanding financial duties as well as their parliamentary influence at the elections of borough representatives and Shire knights, they did experience an overall decline in crucial areas of their role. Arguably, their overall decline was for two key reasons, firstly, was that the Sheriffs lost a vital aspect of their duty of local administration, because Justices of the Peace began to be used instead: secondly, the introduction of the Lord Lieutenant imposed the greatest challenge to their authority, as they took control of the local militia, thereby removing the last traces of military leadership from the Sheriffs, that had been held, for example, by Richard Shirley (1513-14), amid Henry VIII’s French campaign.
Despite always remaining an esteemed position, the office of High Sheriff, throughout the Stuart era to a large extent became a burden to hold, with many men even doing their upmost to bypass the proposal of becoming High Sheriff. This was due to the fact that it was no longer financially beneficial for various reasons. For instance, they were compelled to employ a personal chaplain, the Under Sheriff, as well as his deputies, pages, trumpeters, footmen, bailiffs and javelinmen. Interestingly, there are even tales of men conspiring to get their enemies elected into the position of High Sheriff, just so that they would lose out financially. Furthermore, during Charles I’s reign he imposed Ship Tax on all counties, in times of peace as well as war, which was highly unpopular and therefore problematic for Sheriffs to collect, making their position even less desirable. During this era, it was common for the position to be held by highly educated politicians such as Sir Edward Bishopp, 2nd Baronet (1636),a strong royalist and member of the Inner Temple, who matriculated at Trinity College Oxford in 1619 and was knighted at Hampton Court in December 1625. Furthermore, he was elected as MP for Steyning in 1626, MP for Bramber in the Short Parliament in April, as well as in the Long Parliament of November 1640. Similarly, Edward Blaker of Shoreham (1657) was also a member of the Inner Temple, was elected into the 3rd Protectorate Parliament 1659 and sat as a politician in the House of Commons from 1660-1678. A final key example of a Stuart High Sheriff is Samuel Gott of Battle (1658-9), a royalist, who achieved a BA at St. Catharine’s College Cambridge in 1633, becoming a politician, who sat in the commons from 1645-48 and 1660-61, working as MP for Winchelsea.
The nineteenth century was of extreme significance for the Sheriffs, as their role was re-defined, making it a less expensive and therefore a much more enticing role to perform. Primarily, in 1833 ‘an Act for Facilitating the Appointment of Sheriffs and the more effectual Audit and Passing of their Accounts… and to abolish certain offices in the Court of Exchequer’ was passed. The significance must not be underestimated for many reasons, as it meant that they no longer had to pay a stamp duty on the Sheriff’s Oath, take out the ‘expensive Patent’ on top of the fact that the traditional supervision of the Shrievalty, by the Exchequer was terminated. Moreover, in 1887 ‘The Sheriffs Act’, which is still used today, added to such reformulation of their role whilst reiterating many old traditions. For example, it brought in the Sheriff’s Oath, as well as stating that Sheriffs must be appointed each year and have enough land ‘to answer to the Queen and her people’.
The traditional role of the present-day Sheriff has changed little in the last century, as it remains governed by the 1887 Act and continues to be appointed directly by the monarch. Arguably, the key change during the twentieth century was in 1974, when, for local government purposes, The Queen began to appoint a High Sheriff for both East and West Sussex, with the first High Sheriff of East Sussex being Joseph Rank of Hartfield and the first of West Sussex being Wing Commander Geoffrey Harry Briggs, DFC, DL. Their role continues to include attending royal visits to the county, maintaining the loyalty of subjects to the royal family, acting as the ‘Returning Officer for Parliamentary Elections in county constituencies’ and executing High Court Writs and Orders.
List of Sheriffs of Sussex
WILLIAM I & II (1066–1100)
• 1086: Gislebertus
• c. 1086: Robert FitzTerbald
• c. 1080–c. 1095: Ralph de Bocco
• c. 1091: E FitzAuger
HENRY I (1100–1135)
• 1100: William, Son of Wilbert
• 1120: William FitzAnsger
• 1129–1130: Hugh de Warleville
• 1133: William de Pont de l’Arche
STEPHEN (1135–1154)
• c. 1145: Ailwin
• c. 1145: Roger Hay
HENRY II (1154–1189)
• 1154 Hugh de Warleville
• 1154-55:Hilary, Bishop of Chichester
• 1156-57: Mauger de Maleuvenant
• 1157–58:Richard le Humez
• 1158-60: Ralph Picot
• 1161–62 Hilary, Bishop of Chichester
• 1162-64: Henry, Archdeacon of Chichester
• 1164–70: Roger de Hay
• 1170–76: Reginald de Warenne
• 1176–89: Roger fitzReinfrid
• 1189-90: William de Ruffus
• 1190-91:Ursus de Lincis
RICHARD 1 (1189–1199)
• 1190–93 Philip de Tregoz
• 1193-95: John Marshal
• 1195–97: Sir William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke
• 1197-99: Stephen de Pountfield
JOHN (1199–1216)
• 1199-1200: Michael de Appuldram
• 1200: William Marshal
• 1201-02: Robert de Turnham
• 1202-03: John Chapter
• 1203-04: William Marshal
• 1204–05: Michael de Appauldram
• 1205: John Ferles
• 1205-06: William de Chaignes
• 1206: Richard de Maisi and William de St Laudo
• 1207-09: William de Chaignes
• 1209-10: John FitzHugh
• 1210-11: William Brewer
• 1211-12: Robert de Meleburne
• 1211-12: John FitzHugh
• 1211–15:Matthew Fitzherbert
HENRY III (1216–1272)
• 1217: Gilbert de Barrier
• 1218: Matthew FitzHerbert
• 1219–24: Gilbert de Barrier, Matthew FitzHerbert & Herbert FitzWalter
• 1225–28: Matthew FitzHerbert & Herbert FitzWalter
HENRY III (1216–1272)- Continued
• 1229-32: Sir John de Gatesden
• 1232-34: Peter de Rivaulx
• 1234: Simon de Etchingham /Joel de Sancto Germano
• 1235: Sir Henry of Bath / Simon de Echingham/ Joel de Sancto Germano
• 1236–37: John de Gatesden / Philip de Crofts
• 1238: John de Gatesden
• 1239: John de Gatesden /Philip de Crofts
• 1240–1241: Gregory de Oxted
• 1241: Philip de Crofts
• 1242–44: Sir Ralph de Camoys
• 1245–48: Robert le Savage
• 1249: Nicholas de Wauncy
• 1252: William and Nicholas de Mucheldovere (Munchcledevr)
• 1254: Amfrey de Ferring and William de Mucheldovere
• 1255–56: Sir Geoffrey de Cruce
• 1257: Gerard de Evynton
• 1258: David de Jarpenville
• 1259–60: John de Wauton
• 1261: William la Zouche, replaced by John de Wauton in July, then re-instated in October
• 1262: Sir William Aguillon
• 1263-64: Roger I de Loges
• 1264-65: Sir John I de Abernon
• 1265-67: Roger de Loges
• 1267: Sir Ralph Saunzaver
• 1267-68: William de la Leye
• 1268–70: Roger de Loges
• 1270–71: Matthew de Hastings
EDWARD I (1272–1307)
• 1272–73: Matthew de Hastings
• 1274: Sir William de Hever
• 1275–77: John de Wauton
• 1278–79: Emery de Cancellis
• 1282: Sir Geoffrey “de” Pickford Kt [Geoffrey of Pitchford]
• 1280–84: Nicholas le Gras
• 1285–86: Richard de Pevenese
• 1287–91: William de Pageham (Pakenham)
• 1292–97: Robert de Glaumorgan
• 1298–1301: John Abel
• 1302–03: Walter de Geddinge (John Harneys)
• 1304–06: Robert de la Knole
EDWARD II (1307–1327)
• 1307: Walter de Geddinge
• 1308–12: William of Henle & Robert de Stangrave/William de Mare
• 1313–14: Peter de Vienna
• 1315–16: William de Mare
• 1317: Walter le Gras
• 1318: Walter le Gras / Peter de Worldham
• 1319–20: Peter de Worldham / Henry Hussey
• 1321: Henry Hussey
• 1322–23: Nicholas Gentil
• 1324–26: Peter de Worldham/Andrew Medested
EDWARD III (1327- 1377)
• 1327: Nicholas Gentil
• 1328–30: Nicholas Gentil/Robert de Stangave
• 1331: John Dabernon
• 1332–33: William Vaughan
• 1334–36: William Vaughan/ John Dabernon
• 1337–38: William Vaughan
• 1339: Godfrey de Hunston
• 1340: Godfrey de Hunston/William de Northo
• 1341: William de Northo/Hugo de Bowsey
• 1342–43: Andrew Peverel/Hugo de Bowsey
• 1344: William de Northo
• 1345–47: Regin de Forrister
• 1348: Roger Dabernon
• 1349–51: Thomas Hoo
• 1352–53: Richard de St Oweyn
• 1354: Simon de Codington
• 1355: Roger de Lukenor
• 1356: William North
• 1357–59: Thomas de Hoo
• 1360–62:
• 1363: Simon de Codington
• 1364: Ranulph Thurnham
• 1365: John Wayleys
• 1366: John Weyville
• 1367–68: Sir Andrew Sackville
• 1369–70: Ranulph Thurnham
• 1371: William Neidegate
• 1372: Roger Dalingrugge
• 1373: Nicholas Wilcombe of Wappingthorne in Steyning, Sussex
• 1374: Robert de Loxley
• 1375: Robert Atte Hele
• 1376: John St Clere
RICHARD II (1377–1399)
• 1377: William Percy of Woodmancote, Sussex
• 1378: Sir Edmund Fitzherbert of Ewhurst, Sussex
• 1379: John de Hadresham of Lingfield and Crowhurst, Surrey
• 1380: Nicholas Sleyfeld
• 1381: William Percy of Woodmancote, Sussex
• 1382: William Weston of West Clandon, Surrey
• 1383: Sir William de Waleys of Glynde, Sussex
• 1384: Robert Rutborne
• 1385: Richard Hurst
• 1386–87: Thomas Jardyn of South Mundham and Bowley, Sussex
• 1388: Edward de St John
• 1389: Robert Atte Mille of Guildford, Surrey
• 1390: John Robert de Eckingham
• 1390: John Mill of Gretham
• 1391: Nicholas Carew of Beddington Park, Surrey
• 1392: Thomas Jardyn
• 1393: Nicholas Slyfeld
• 1393: John de Uvedale of Titsey Place and Wickham, Hants
• 1394: Edward St John
• 1395: John Ashburnham of Ashburnham, Sussex
• 1396: William Fienes
• 1397: John Salerne of Rye and Leigh in Iden, Sussex
• 1398: William Fienes
HENRY IV (1399–1412)
• 1399: Radul Codington of Cuddington
• 1400: Nicholas Carew of Beddington Park, Surrey
• 1401: John Pelham
• 1402: John Ashburnham of Ashburnham, Sussex
• 1403–04: Robert Atte Mulle
• 1405: Sir Philip St Clere
• 1406: Sir Thomas Sackvile
• 1407: John Clipsham of Imbhams and Guildford, Surrey
• 1408: William Verd
• 1409: John Ashburnham of Ashburnham, Sussex
• 1410: John Warner Campie
• 1411: John Waterton of Bramley
HENRY V (1412–1422)
• 1412–13: John Haysham
• 1414: John Wintershall of Wintershall and Shalford, Surrey
• 1415: John Clipsham of Imbhams and Guildford, Surrey
• 1416: John Uvedale of Titsey Place and Wickham Hants
• 1417: William Weston of Dedswell in Send, Surrey and Hindhall in Buxted, Sussex
• 1418: James Knotesford
• 1419: John Clipsham of Imbhams and Guildford, Surrey
• 1420: John Hace
• 1421: John Bolvey / James Knotesford
HENRY VI (1422–1461)
• 1422–23:Sir Roger Fiennes of Herstmonceux, Sussex
• 1424:John Wintershall of Wintershall and Shalford, Surrey
• 1425:John Clipsham of Imbhams and Guildford, Surrey
• 1426:Thomas Lewkenor
• 1427:John Ferriby
• 1428:William Warbleton
• 1429:John Wintershall of Wintershall and Shalford, Surrey
• 1430:William Uvedale of Titsey Place and Wickham Hants
• 1431:William Finch
• 1432:Sir Thomas Lewkenor
• 1433:John Anderne
• 1434:Richard Waller
• 1435:Sir Roger Fiennes of Herstmonceux, Sussex
• 1436:Richard Dalingrugg
• 1437:John Ferriby
• 1438: Sir Thomas Uvedale of Titsey Place and Wickham Hants
• 1439: James Fiennes, 1st Baron Saye and Sele, of Kemsing and Seal
• 1440:Roger Lewkenor
• 1441:Nicholas Carew
• 1442:Walter Strickland
• 1443:John Stanley
• 1444:John Basket
• 1445:Nicholas Carew
• 1446:Nicholas Husey
• 1447:William Belknape
• 1448:Robert Radmill
• 1449:Nicholas Carew
• 1450:John Pennycocke
• 1451:John Lewkenor
• 1452:Thomas Yard
• 1453:Sir Richard Fiennes
• 1454:Walter Devenish
• 1455:John Knotesford
• 1456:Sir Thomas Cobham
• 1457:Nicholas Husey
• 1458:Thomas Basset
• 1459: Sir Thomas Tresham
• 1460:Robert Fiennes
EDWARD IV (1461–1483)
• 1461:Nicholas Gaynesford
• 1462-3:Walter Denis
• 1464:Thomas Goring
• 1465: Sir Thomas Uvedale of Titsey Place and Wicham Hants
• 1466:William Cheney
• 1467:Thomas Vaughan
• 1468:Sir Roger Lewkenor
• 1469:Nicholas Gaynesford
• 1470:Richard Lewkenor
• 1471:Thomas St. Leger
• 1472:John Gaynesford
• 1473:Nicholas Gaynesford
• 1474:Thomas Lewkenor
• 1475:Thomas Echingham
• 1476:John Wode
• 1477:Sir Henry Roos
• 1478:William Weston
• 1479:Thomas Combs
• 1480:John Ebrington
• 1481:Thomas Fiennes
• 1482:John Apseley
RICHARD III (1483–1485)
• 1483:Sir Henry Roos
• 1484:John Dudley
• 1485:John Norbury / Richard Gainsford
HENRY VII (1485–1509)
• 1486:Nicholas Gaynesford
• 1487:Thomas Coombes
• 1488:William Merston
• 1489:Robert Morley
• 1490:John Apseley
• 1491:Richard Lewkenor
• 1492:Edward Dawtree
• 1493:John Leigh
• 1494:John Coke
• 1495:John Apseley
• 1496:Richard Lewkenor
• 1497:Matthew Brown
• 1498: Richard Sackville
• 1499:John Coke
• 1500:Thomas Ashburnham
• 1501:John Gainsford
• 1502:Sir Richard Carew
• 1503:John Apseley
• 1504:Rad Shirley
• 1505:Richard Sackvile
• 1506:Goddard Oxenbridge
• 1507:William Ashburnham
• 1508:Thomas Morton
• 1509:Sir Thomas Fiennes
HENRY VIII (1509–1546)
• 1510: John Leigh
• 1511: Edward Lewkenor
• 1512: Sir Roger Lewkenor
• 1513: Sir Godfrey Oxenbridge
• 1514: Richard Shirley of Wiston, Sussex
• 1515: Roger Copley
• 1516: Sir John Leigh
• 1517: William Ashburnham
• 1518: Sir John Gainsford
• 1519: Nicholas Carew of Beddington Park, Surrey
• 1520: Sir Godfrey Oxenbridge
• 1521: John Scott
• 1522: Sir Edward Bray
• 1523: Richard Covert
• 1524: John William Ashburnham
• 1525: Sir Thomas West, Baron de la Warr
• 1526: Richard Shirley of Wiston, Sussex
• 1527: John Sackville of Chiddingly, Sussex
• 1528: Sir John Dawtry
• 1529: Richard Belingham
• 1530: Sir Roger Copley
• 1531: Sir William Goring of Burton, Sussex
• 1532: Sir Roger Lewkenor
• 1533: Christopher More of Loseley, Surrey
• 1534: John Palmer of Angmering, Sussex
• 1535: Richard Belingham
• 1536: Sir William Goring of Burton, Sussex
• 1537: Sir Richard Page
• 1538: Nicholas Gainsford
• 1539: Sir Edward Bray of Henfield and Selmeston, Sussex and the Vachery, Shere, Surrey
• 1540: Sir Christopher Moore of Loseley, Surrey
• 1541: John Sackville of Chiddingly, Sussex
• 1542: Thomas Darell
• 1543: Richard Belingham
• 1544: John Palmer
• 1546: John Thetcher
• 1546: John Sackville of Chiddingly, Sussex
EDWARD VI (1546–1553)
• 1547: Sir John Dawtrey
• 1548: Sir Thomas Cawarden of Bletchingley, Surrey
• 1549: John Scott
• 1550: Sir Nicholas Pelham of Laughton, Sussex
• 1551: Sir William Goring of Burton, Sussex
• 1552: Robert Oxenbridge (1508-1574) of Brede, Sussex
• 1553: Sir Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montagu of Battle Abbey and Cowdray Park, Sussex
MARY (1553–1558)
• 1553: Sir Thomas Saunders of Charlwood, Surrey
• 1554: John Covert of Ifield and Slaugham, Sussex
• 1555: William Saunders of Ewell, Surrey
• 1556: Sir Edward Gage
• 1557: John Ashburnham of Asburnham, Sussex
• 1558: William Moore
ELIZABETH I (1558–1603)
• 1558:Sir Thomas Palmer of Parham, Sussex
• 1559:John Colepeper
• 1560:John Stidolph
• 1561:Henry Goring
• 1562:William Gresham
• 1563:Richard Covert
• 1564:Anthony Pelham
• 1565:William Dawtry
ELIZABETH I (1558–1603)
(High Sheriffs of Sussex only)
• 1566: Edward Bellingham
• 1567: John Apsley
• 1568: Henry Goring
• 1569: Edward Carrell
• 1570: John Pelham
(High Sheriffs of Surrey and Sussex)
• 1571:John Pelham of Laughton, near Lewes, Sussex
• 1571:Thomas Palmer of Angmering, Sussex
• 1572:Francis Shirley of West Grinstead, Sussex
• 1573:John Rede / Richard Polsted of Albury, Surrey
• 1574:Henry Pelham
• 1575:William Gresham
• 1576:Sir Thomas Shirley of Wiston, near Steyning, Sussex
• 1576 (Apr–Nov): Herbert Pelham of Michelham Priory, near Hailsham, Sussex
• 1577:George Goring of Ovingdean, Lewes and Danny Park, Sussex
• 1578:Sir William Moore
• 1579:William Morley of Glynde, Sussex
• 1580:Edmund Slyfeld of Slyfield Place, Great Bookham, Surrey
• 1581:Sir Thomas Browne
• 1582:Walter Covert of Slaugham, Sussex
• 1583:Thomas Bishopp of Parham, Sussex
• 1584:Richard Bostock of Tandridge, Surrey
• 1585:Nicholas Parker of Ratton and Willingdon
• 1586:Richard Browne of Knowle in Cranleigh, Surrey
• 1587:John Carrell
• 1588:Thomas Pelham of Laughton, Sussex
• 1589:Herbert Pelham of Michelham Priory, near Hailsham, Sussex
• 1590:Robert Linsey (Livesey)
• 1591:Sir Walter Covert of Slaugham, Sussex
• 1592:Sir Nicholas Parker of Ratton and Willingdon, Sussex
• 1593:William Gardiner of Bermondsey, Surrey
• 1594:Richard Leech of Fletching, Sussex
• 1595:Edmund Culpeper
• 1596:George More
• 1597:James Colebrand of Chichester, Sussex
• 1598: Thomas Eversfield, of Denne Park, Horsham, West Sussex
• 1599:Edmund Bowyer of Camberwell, Surrey
• 1600:Thomas Bishopp of Parham, Sussex
• 1601:John Ashburnham
• 1602:Robert Lynsey (Livesey)
JAMES I (1603–1625)
• 1603:Robert Linsey (Livesey)
• 1604:Sir Henry Goring
• 1605:Sir Edward Culpeper
• 1606:Sir Thomas Hoskings
• 1607:Herbert Morley of Glynde, Sussex
• 1608:Sir George Gunter
• 1609:Sir Thomas Hunt
• 1610:John Lountesford
• 1611:Edward Bellingham
• 1612:William Wignall
• 1613:Edward Goring
• 1614:Sir John Willdigos
• 1615:Rowland Trappes/Sir John Morgan
• 1616:Sir John Shirley of Isfield, Sussex
• 1617:John Middleton
• 1618:Sir John Howland
• 1619:Nicholas Eversfield of The Grove, Hollington, Hastings
• 1620:Richard Michelborne
• 1621:Sir Francis Leigh of Addington, Surrey
• 1622:Sir Thomas Springett
• 1623:Sir Ben Pelham
• 1624:Ambrose Browne of Betchworth Castle, Dorking, Surrey
CHARLES I (1625–1649)
• 1625: Edward Alford of Offington, Sussex
• 1626: Sir Thomas Bowyer, 1st Baronet of Leythorne, North Mundham
• 1627: Edward Jordan
• 1628: Sir Stephen Boord
• 1629: Anthony May
• 1630: Sir William Walter of Wimbledon, Surrey
• 1631: Sir Robert Morley of Glynde Place, Sussex (died 1632)
• 1632: Sir John Chapman
• 1633: Richard Evelyn
• 1634: Sir William Culpeper, 1st Baronet of Wakehurst
• 1635: Sir William Morley
• 1636(Jan-Nov): Sir William Morley of Halnaker, Boxgrove, Sussex
(High Sheriffs of Sussex only)
• 1636:Sir Edward Bishopp, 2nd Baronet
• 1637:Anthony Fowle
• 1638:Anthony Foster
• 1639:Edward Apsley
• 1640:George Churchar
• 1641:Egid Garton
• 1642:Sir Edward Ford
• 1643:John Baker
• 1644:Edward Paine
• 1645:Sir Thomas Henley
• 1646:Thomas Eversfield
• 1648: Humfrey Stewart
• 1649: Thomas Luxford
• 1650: Peter Courthopp
• 1651: William Palmer
• 1652: William Wilson
• 1657: Edward Blaker of Buckingham House, Old Shoreham
• 1658: Samuel Gott of Battle
CHARLES II (1660–1685)
• 1664: William Spence
• 1665: John Morley
• 12 November 1665: Robert Fowle
• 7 November 1666: John Farrington, of Chichester
• 15 November 1666: Sir John Morley
• 6 November 1667: Sir Anthony Shirley, 1st Baronet
• 9 November 1667: Sir William Greene, 1st Baronet
• 6 November 1668: Richard Stringer
• 11 November 1669: Walter Doble
• 4 November 1670: John Fuller
• 16 November 1670: Thomas Collins
• 9 November 1671: William Kempe
• 11 November 1672: Robert Heath
• 13 June 1673: John Fuller
• 12 November 1673: Francis Wyatt
• 9 March 1674: Isaac Honeywood
• 5 November 1674: Thomas Millington
• 12 November 1674: Thankful Hebden
• 25 November 1674: John Spence, of Lindfield
• 15 November 1675: Richard Payne, of Lewis
• 10 November 1676: George Kilner
• 18 November 1676: John Honey, of Ditcheling
• 15 November 1677: James Butler
• 23 November 1677: John Boarde, of Lindfield
• 14 November 1678: Thomas Woodere
• 23 November 1678: Thomas Smith
• 13 November 1679: William Pelham, of Salehurst
• 25 November 1679: George Luxford, of Hellingby
• 4 November 1680: Thomas Arnold
• 1682: Henry Goring
• 1683: Edward Selwyn of Friston
• 1684: Robert Mitchell of Horsham, Sussex and Petersfield, Hants.
JAMES II (1685–1689)
• 1685: Sir Thomas Dyke
• 1686: ?John Fuller
• 1687: Humphrey Fowle
• 1688: Sir John Gage, Bt
WILLIAM & MARY (1689–1702)
• 1689: Peter Gott
• 1690: George Courthopp
• 1691: Henry Yeates
• 1692: John Newman
• 1693: John Gratwicke
• 1694: Sir John Brisco, replaced by John Cooke of Petworth (17–30 Nov) replaced by William Pellatt
• 1695: Richard Stanley or Lee
• 1696: Joseph Studley
• 1696: Francis Wyatt
• 1697: Richard Farington, Bt of South St, Chichester
• 1697: William Leeves
• 1698: Humphry Duke replaced by John Cheale
• 1699: Henry Bray
• 1699: John Ward
• 1700: Thomas Woodyer
• 1701: John Barkam
• 1701: Thomas Alchorne
ANNE (1702–1714)
• 1702: John Ellis
• 1703: Henry Collins
• 1703: Samuel Blunt
• 1704: Richard Bridger
• 1705: Arthur Turner
• 1706: John Shelley
• 1707: Sir John Miller, Bt of North St, Chichester
• 1708: Allan Wallis
• 1708: John Young
• 1709: John Baker
• 1710: William Knight (previously Woodward) of West Dean, near Midhurst
• 1711: Hugh Reason
• 1712: Henry Collins
• 1712: Francis Hamlyn
• 1714: Nicholas Turner
GEORGE I (1714–1727)
• 1715: James Smyth of Isfield
• 1716: Charles Goodwin of Rowfant
• 1716: John Watson
• 1717: John Laker
• 1718: William Peckham of Salehurst
• 1719: Henry Shelley, Jnr.
• 1720: Thomas Dennett of Woodmancote
• 1721: William Markwick
• 1722: Sir Thomas Peckham
• 1723: John Mitchell of Waldron
• 1724: Thomas Fuller of Park Gate
• 1725: Thomas William Brereton
• 1726: James Colebrooke
• 1727: James Nicholl of Munfield,
• 1728: Thomas Shadwell
GEORGE II (1727–1760)
• 1729: Isaac Honeywood of Sunningley
• 1730: Ogle Riggs
• 1731: John Borde of Paxhill
• 1732: George Naldret of Naldret
• 1733: ?
• 1734: Henry Montague of Boareham
• 1735: William Stone
• 1736: Bernard Lintot
• 1738: Edward Madgick of Tillington
• 1738: Edward Parker of West Terring
• 1739: George Spencer
• 1740: John Payne of Leggsheath
• 1741: John Nicholl
• 1742: Edward Tredcroft
• 1743: John Dennett of Bolney
• 1744: John Edwards of Mayfield
• 1745: John Napper of Highs
• 1746: Thomas Ridge of Trotton
• 1747: Timothy Shelley of Wort
• 1748: George Luxford
• 1749: John Fuller of Heathfield
• 1750: Peckham Williams
• 1751: Robert Bull
• 1752: William Watson
• 1753: Robert Randall of Herrings
• 1754: Walter Barttelot of Stopham
• 1755: John Major of East Grinstead
• 1756: Joseph Calverley of the Broad
• 1757: John Ward of Champions
• 1758: James Goble, of Petworth
• 1759: John Margesson of Effington
GEORGE III (1760–1820)
• 1760: John Aldridge
• 1761: Sir William Thomas, 2nd Baronet
• 1762: Thomas Granger
• 1763: Thomas Fowle
• 1764: John Payne
• 1765: Samuel Lewes
• 1766: John Burgess
• 1767: James Wood, of Hicksted
• 1768: John Paine
• 1769: John Laker
• 1770: William Westbrooke Richardson
• 1771: William Richardson
• 1772: William Gratwicke
• 1773: Kemble Whateley
• 1774: George Peckham
• 1775: Thomas Baker
• 1776: Edward Hutchinson
• 1777: Thomas Kemp of Lewes Castle, Sussex
• 1778: Colville Bridger
• 1779: John Harrison
• 1780: Sir John Bridger
• 1781: William Peachey
• 1782: William Frankland
• 1783: John Norton
• 1784: Thomas Dennett
• 1785: William Nelthorpe, of Sedgwick Park
• 1786: Francis Sergison of Cuckfield
• 1787: Richard Wyatt of Trimmings
• 1788: John Bean of Littleington
• 1789: Sir Ferdinando Poole
• 1790: Sir Ferdinando Poole
• 1791: Henry Manning
• 1791: John Drew of Chichester
• 1792: Edmund Woods of Shopwick
• 1794: Thomas Richardson
• 1795: Samuel Twyford
• 1796: Francis Newbery
• 1797: John Fuller
• 1798: Charles Scrase-Dickins
• 1799: Richard Streatfield
• 1800: James Pigou
• 5 February 1800: Thomas Carr, of Beddingham
• 11 February 1801: William Borrer, of Hurstpierpoint
• 3 February 1802: Sir William Ashburnham, 5th Baronet, of Broomham
• 3 February 1803: William Margesson, of Ossington
• 16 February 1803: John William Commerell, of Strood
• 1 February 1804: John Dennett, of Woodmancote
• 6 February 1805: William Margesson, of Ossington
• 1 February 1806: William Gorringe, of Kingston by Sea
• 4 February 1807: John Micklethwaite, of High Ridge
• 3 February 1808: William Stanford, of Preston
• 6 February 1809: Thomas Tourle, of Landport
• 31 January 1810: Richard Wyatt, of Courtwick
• 8 February 1811: William Darling, of Donnington
• 24 January 1812: George Francis Tyson, of Singleton
• 10 February 1813: Edward Napper, of Ifold
• 7 March 1814: Thomas Peckham Phipps, of Compton
• 13 February 1815: Richard Watt Walker, of Michelgrove
• 1816: James Ingram
• 1817: James Cranborne Strode of Frant
• 1818: John King of Loxwood
• 1819: John Wood of Chesham
GEORGE IV (1820–1830)
• 1820: William Campion of Danny
• 1821: Richard Hasler
• 1822: James Eversfield
• 1823: Richard Prime
• 1824: Daniel Rowland
• 1825: James Slater
• 1826: John Hawkins
• 1827: Sir Charles Goring
• 1828: Robert Aldridge of New Lodge
• 1829: Sir Charles Lamb, 2nd Baronet of Beauport, near Battle
• 1830: Thomas Sanctuary, of Rusper
• 1831: William Courthope Mabbett, of Uckfield
• 1832: Alexander Donovan, of Framfield Park
• 1833: Thomas Broadwood, of Beeding
• 1834: Hon. Robert Curzon, of Parham
• 1835: Charles Dixon, of Stanstead Park
• 1836: John James King, of Coates
• 1837: George Palmer, of Tunbridge Wells
• 1838: George Henry Malcolm Wagner, of Herstmonceux
• 1839: Thomas Frewen, of Brickwall House, Northam
• 1840: John Davies Gilbert, of Eastbourne
• 1841: Sir Richard Hunter, of Patching
• 1842: George Wyndham, of Petworth House
• 1843: Musgrave Brisco, of Coghurst
• 1844: Edward Hussey, of Scotney Castle
• 1845: James Baril Daubuz, of Offington
• 1846: William Townley Mitford, of Pitshill
• 1847: William Gratwicke Kinleside Gratwicke, of Ham
• 1848: Sir Peckham Micklethwait, 1st Baronet, of Iridge Place
• 1849: Richard Shuttleworth Streatfeild, of the Rocks, Uckfield
• 1850: George Campion Courthope, of Wiligh
• 1851: David Lyon, of Goring
• 1852: Philip Salomons, of Brighton
• 1853: Francis Barchard, of Horsted Place
• 1854: John Day, of Newick
• 1855: George Carew Gibson, of Sandgate Lodge, near Steyning
• 1856: William Drew Lucas Shadwell, of Fair Light Hall, near Hastings
• 1857: Richard Curteis Pomfert, of Rye
• 1858: Edward Smith Bigg, of the Hyde, Slaugham
• 1859: William Henry Blaauw, of Beechlands, Newick
• 1860: Charles Scrase Dickins, of Coolhurst
• 1861: George Gatty, of Felbridge Park, East Grinstead
• 1862: Hon. John Jervis Carnegie, of Fair Oak, Rogate
• 1863: John Charles Fletcher, of Dale Park, Arundel
• 1864: William Leyland Woods, of Chilgrove, Chichester
• 1865: Sir Percy Shelley, 3rd Baronet, of Boscombe, Christchurch
• 1866: John Hankey
• 1867: Colonel Francis Harcourt
• 1868: Henry Crofts
• 1869: Colonel George Kirwan Carr Lloyd
• 1870: Joseph Mayer Montefiore
• 1871: Sir Walter Burrell, 5th Baronet
• 1872: Sir James Duke, 1st Baronet
• 1873: Sir Charles William Blunt, 6th Baronet, of Heathfield Park
• 1874: George Meek, of Brantridge, Cuckfield
• 1875: William Egerton Hubbard, of St. Leonard’s Lodge, Horsham
• 1876: William Courtenay Morland, of Court Lodge, Lamberhurst
• 1877: Robert Loder of The High Beeches, Crawley
• 1878: Louis Huth, of Possingworth Manor, Uckfield
• 1879: Charles Thomas Lucas, of Warnham Court, Horsham
• 1880: Anthony John Wright Biddulph, of Burton Park
• 1881: James Kennedy Esdaile, of Saint Hill Place, East Grinstead
• 1882: Donald Larnach, of Brambletye, East Grinstead
• 1883: Sir George Rendlesham Prescott, 4th Baronet, of Isenhurst, Mayfield
• 1884: Hugh Wyatt, of Cissbury Findon
• 1885: Henry Ray Freshfield, of Kidbrooke Park, East Grinstead
• 1886: Frederick S. Shenstone, of Sutton Hall,Burcombe
• 1887: Lieutenant – Colonel Thomas Faulconer Wisden, of The Warren, Broadwater.
• 1888: Lieutenant – Colonel James Clifton Brown, of Holmbush, Horsham.
• 1889: Sir Spencer Maryon Maryon-Wilson, Bt., of Searles, Fletching
• 1890: Robert Thornton, of High Cross, Framfield
• 1891: Wilfrid Hans Loder, of the High Beeches, Slaugham, Crawley
• 1892: Philip Rawson, of Woodhurst, Crawley
• 1893: James Innes, of Roffey Park, Horsham
• 1894: Charles John Fletcher, of Dale Park, Madehurst, Arundel
• 1895: Sir Francis Abraham Montefiore, Baronet, of Worth Park
• 1896: Edward Huth, of Wykehurst, Bolney, Hayward’s Heath,
• 1897:William Dodge James, of West Dean Park, Chichester,
• 1898: Sir Henry Harben, Kt., of Warnham Lodge, Warnham
• 1899: Captain Richard Hamilton Rawson, of Woodhurst, Crawley
• 1900: Robert Lawrence Thornton, of High Cross, Framfield
• 1901: Charles Egerton Legge, of Ashling House, Chichester,
• 1902: Alfred Henry Burton, of St. Leonard’s Lodge, St.Leonard’s-on-Sea,
• 1903: Edwin Henty, of Ferring Grange, Worthing,
• 1904: Charles James Lucas, of Warnham Court, Horsham,
• 1905: Hugh Richard Penfold Wyatt,of Cissbury, Findon, Worthing,
• 1906: Philip Secretan
• 1907: Douglas Bernard Hall of Burton Park, Petworth
• 1908: Sir Alfred Dent KCMG
• 1909: John Waddingon
• 1910: James Buchanan
• 1911: John Ashburner Nix
• 1912: William Barrott Montfort Bird
• 1913: Sir John Luscombe Bt
• 1914: James Hull Renton
• 1915: Colonel Robert Stephenson-Clarke
• 1916: William Herbert Mullens
• 1917: Lt-Colonel A Sutherland-Harris
• 1918: Sir Merrik David Burrell, 7th Baronet
• 1919: George Mallows Freeman
• 1920: William Footner Foster
• 1921: Francis Barchard
• 1922: Stanley Martyn Dennis
• 1923: Frederick Wootton Isaacson
• 1924: Sir Stephenson Hamilton Kent, KCB
• 1925: Lt Cmdr Hugh Sydney Egerton
• 1926: Lieut.-Col. Roland Vaughan Gwynne, D.S.O., of Folkington Manor, Polegate
• 1927: Sir Edward Boyle, 2nd Baronet
• 1928: Sir Robert Kindersley
• 1929: Captain Guy Vernon Baxendale
• 1930: Ronald Olaf Hambro
• 1931: Philip Staveley Foster
• 1932: Brig-General Desmond Beale-Brown DSO
• 1933: Lt-Colonel R W McKergow OBE DL
• 1934: Thomas Percy Tew
• 1935: William Henry Abbey
• 1936: Lt-Colonel Leonard Charles Messel OBE TD
• 1937: Major Aubrey du Plat Thorold Cole
• 1938: Brevet Colonel John Raymond Warren OBE MC TD DL
• 1939: Anthony Mallows Freeman MBE
• 1940: Hon Clive Bernard Pearson
• 1941: Edmund Stephenson Clarke
• 1942: Lt Colonel Giles Harold Loder MC
• 1943: Edwin Fisher
• 1944: Basil Ionides
• 1945: Major John Roland Abbey of Greyfriars, Storrington.
• 1946: Giles Fendall Newton MBE
• 1947: Colonel Walter Churchill Hale OBE MC TD
• 1948: Sir Giles Rolls Loder, 3rd Baronet
• 1949: Sir Stephen Demetriadi KBE
• 1950: Robert Strickland Gilbert Scott
• 1951: Lt Cmdr Herbert Robert Hardy RNVR
• 1952: Captain Lord Rupert Charles Montacute Nevill, of Uckfield House, Uckfield.
• 1953: Captain (S) Edwin Howard Wethey, C.B.E., R.N., of Mountsfield, Rye.
• 1954: Cornelius W. Shelford
• 1955: Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever
• 1956: Henry Eeles
• 1957: Roger Wilby Hall
• 1958: George Bentley Dacre
• 1959: Thomas Dundas
• 1960: John Wyndham
• 1961: Frank Rogerson
• 1962: John Derek Hornung
• 1963: William I Baxendale
• 1964: Sir Richard James Boughey, 10th Baronet
• 1965: Geoffrey Hardy Roberts
• 1966: Patrick J F Colvin
• 1967: Michaael Grissell
• 1968: Commander William Francis Roderick Segrave, D.S.C., R.N., of Isfield Place, Isfield [219]
• 1969: Ian Voase Askew, Esq., M.C., of Wellingham House, near Lewes [220]
• 1970: Michael Raymond Warren, of Banks Farm, Barcombe [221]
• 1971: John Richard Greenwood, of Stone Hall, Balcombe [222]
• 1972: Ralph Ernest Watkins Grubb[223]
• 1973: Major John Derek Wigan, of Drewitts, Warninglid
(East Sussex only)
• 1974–1975: Joseph Rank, of Hartfield
• 1975–1976: Thomas Egerton, of Robertsbridge
• 1976–1977: Lawrence Hardy, of Dane Hill
• 1977–1978: Arthur Sturge MC, of Wadhurst
• 1978–1979: Reginald Edwardes-Jones, of Wadhurst
• 1979–1980: Christopher Bridge, of Firle
• 1980–1981: Thomas Halliday Baskerville Mynors, of Moseham House
• 1981–1982: Major Michael Reid, of Wadhurst
• 1982–1983: Hon. Oliver Piers St. Aubin MC, of Woodside House, Barcombe, Lewes
• 1983–1984: Lieutenant-Colonel Rodney Onslow Dennys CVO OBE
• 1984–1985: Capt Samuel Lombard-Hobson CVO OBE, of Laughton
• 1985–1986: Michael Toynbee, of Wadhurst
• 1986–1987: Rupert Cyster OBE, of Rye
• 1987–1988: Timothy Jones, of Berwick
• 1988–1989: Edward Hardcastle TD, of Wadhurst
• 1989–1990: David Baker JP, of Laughton
• 1990–1991: Peter Dunn JP, of Rushlake Green
• 1991–1992: Roderick Petley, of Heathfield
• 1992–1993: Ian Cox, of Brightling
• 1993–1994: Andrew Stewart-Roberts of Offham
• 1994–1995: Lady (Jane) Lloyd of Berwick
• 1995–1996: Alan Mayes-Smith
• 1996–1997: John Fooks
• 1997–1998: John Whitmore
• 1998–1999: Gillian Evelyn Schluter, Viscountess Brentford, OBE
• 1999–2000: Keith Miller
• 2000–2001: William de Salis
• 2001–2002: Richard Carden
• 2002–2003: David Pennock
• 2003–2004: Alastair Ainslie
• 2004–2005: Julian Avery
• 2005–2006: David Tate OBE
• 2006–2007: Amanda Caroline Hamblin
• 2007–2008: Caroline Anne Mayhew
• 2008–2009: Hugh Thomas Burnett OBE of Hove
• 2009–2010: William Thomas Cornelius Shelford of Lewes
• 2010–2011: Deborah Clare Melanie Bedford of Ringmer, Lewes
• 2011–2012: Mrs Kathleen Ann Gore DL of Framfield, Uckfield
• 2012-2013: David Allam DL
• 2013-2014: Graham Peters DL of Bodiam
• 2014–2015: Christopher J M Gebbie OBE DL of Norlington Lane, Ringmer
• 2015-2016: Juliet Anne Smith of Brighton Marina, Brighton
• 2016–2017: Michael Foster of Lacuna Place, Havelock Road, Hastings
• 2017-2018: Mrs Maureen Chowen of Brighton
• 2018–2019: Major General John David Moore-Bick of Robertsbridge