On Saturday 5 September, the Sheriff of Lichfield, Cllr Andrew Fox, took part in the annual tradition of the Sheriff’s Ride.
Led by the Clerk of the Course, Doug Smith, the Sheriff received a round of applause as he left the Guildhall to begin the Sheriff’s Ride, taking part on foot for the first time.
The remainder of the event, organised by the Lichfield Shrievalty Association, continued with the full route from Stowe Fields back into the city, accompanied by several horse riders and cyclists.
They were later led by the Sword and Mace Bearers back into the city via The Close, where they were welcomed at the Cathedral, to toast the ride with a glass of sherry. The ride then continued via Dam Street and Market Street to the Guildhall
The Sheriff’s Ride is a tradition dating from 1553 when Queen Mary’s Charter separated Lichfield from Staffordshire, making Lichfield ‘a City and a County’ with the right to appoint its own Sheriff. The Charter commanded the Sheriff to make a perambulation to inspect and enforce the city boundary each year. This year marks the 473rd Sheriff’s Ride.
The Sheriff said “I am very honoured to have been able to complete much of the Historic Sheriff’s Ride as a runner; the first for many years. It was wonderful to have three generations running at the start. I am very grateful to the Clerk of the Course, the Ride Committee and the Lichfield Shrievalty Association with the landowners, officers of Lichfield City Council and many others for creating this opportunity. The Sheriff’s Ride is one of the most historic events in Lichfield and I am sure that we all want future generations to treasure it, as we do. Long may it continue!”
For more information regarding the Sheriff’s Ride please visit www.lichfield.gov.uk and https://www.sheriffoflichfield.org.uk
Sheriff of Lichfield, Cllr Andrew Fox