High Sheriffs List: A Historical Record from 1974 to 2026
The office of the High Sheriff is a historic appointment, serving as a representative of the Crown within a specific county. These individuals perform a variety of civic and ceremonial duties, maintaining a link between the judiciary and the local community. The following record provides a comprehensive chronological list of those who have held this prestigious position from 1974 through the projected appointments of 2026.
Key Facts
- The list spans over five decades of civic appointments, beginning in 1974.
- Appointments include a diverse range of professionals, including military officers, doctors, and members of the nobility.
- Many appointees are associated with historic estates in regions such as Carlisle, Penrith, and Kendal.
- The record includes both men and women serving in the role.
- Appointments are listed annually, extending into the future through 2026.
Chronological Record of Appointments
The transition of the High Sheriff role reflects the changing demographics and professional backgrounds of the region's leadership. Early records frequently highlight the association of the office with landed estates and ancestral homes.
Appointments from 1974 to 1999
During the latter half of the 20th century, the role was often held by individuals residing in prominent local halls and castles, such as Greystoke Castle and Holker Hall.
- 1974: George Nigel Fancourt Wingate (Bridge End House, Cockermouth)
- 1975: Michael Charles Stanley (Halecat, Witherslack, Grange-over-Sands)
- 1976: Joseph Hugh Harris (Brackenburgh, Calthwaite, Penrith)
- 1977: Edward Hubert Fleming-Smith (Hawksdale Hall, Dalston, Carlisle)
- 1978: Richard Hugh Cavendish (Holker Hall)
- 1979: Stafford Vaughan Stepney Howard (Greystoke Castle, Penrith)
- 1980: Charles Henry Bagot (Levens Hall)
- 1981: Timothy Ross Fetherstonhaugh (The College, Kirkoswald, Penrith)
- 1982: William John Montague Chaplin (Finsthwaite House, Ulverston)
- 1983: Peter Eric Fyers Crewdson (Summerhow, Kendal)
- 1984: Edward Peter Ecroyd (Low House, Armathwaite, Carlisle)
- 1985: Major Antony James Robinson Harrison (Wreay Hall, Wreay, Carlisle)
- 1986: Major Nigel James Clarkson Webb (Buckstone House, Burton-in-Kendal)
- 1987: William Victor Gubbins (Eden Lacy, Lazonby, Penrith)
- 1988: Roger Brockbank (Common Head, Staveley, Kendal)
- 1989: Major Timothy Richard Riley (Burbank House, Blencowe, Penrith)
- 1990: Thomas Peter Naylor (The Clock House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside)
- 1991: Ian Cufaude Carr (Brown Hill, Walton, Brampton)
- 1992: Myles Christopher Ross Sandys (Graythwaite Hall, Ulverston)
- 1993: Margaret Washington
- 1994: Frederick John Richard Boddy (Curwen Woods, Burton)
- 1995: Hugh William Lawson (Croplands, Heads Nook, Carlisle)
- 1996: Henry Charles Fraser Bowring (Whelprigg House, Barbon)
- 1997: John Henry Fryer-Spedding (Mirehouse, Keswick)
- 1998: Simon Philip Pease (Underley Grange, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth)
- 1999: Arthur Ian Bullough (Friars Garth, Walton, Brampton)
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Appointments from 2000 to 2026
Entering the 21st century, the list continues to show a blend of traditional estate holders and professionals, including medical doctors and retired military personnel.
- 2000: Lady Hothfield (Drybeck Hall, Appleby)
- 2001: Robert Bryce Hasell-McCosh (Dalemain, Pooley Bridge, Penrith)
- 2002: David William Trimble (Deepdale, Dalston, Carlisle)
- 2003: Antony Richard Leeming (Skirsgill Park, Penrith)
- 2004: Frederick Charles Theodore Markham (Morland House, Morland, Penrith)
- 2005: Dr Adam Charles Illingworth Naylor
- 2006: Robert Lawie Frederick Burgess
- 2007: Claire Theresa Hensman
- 2008: Graham William Lamont
- 2009: Elizabeth Honor Susan Thornely
- 2010: James Ronald Carr (Warwick-on-Eden)
- 2011: Iona A Frost-Pennington (Ravenglass)
- 2012: Juliet Deirdre Jean Westoll (Longtown)
- 2013: Diana Ruth Matthews (Windermere)
- 2014: Martyn Peter Telford Hart (Bankhead, Newby East, Carlisle)
- 2015: Samuel Miles Alan Rayner (Murley Hill, Oxenholme Road, Kendal)
- 2016: Group Captain (Thomas) Richard Lee (RAF rtd) (Egremont)
- 2017: Alistair George Milne Wannop (Linstock, Carlisle)
- 2018: Simon Frederick Michael Berry (Windermere)
- 2019: Marcia Elaine Reid Fotheringham (Brampton)
- 2020: Julie Elizabeth Barton (Ulverston)
- 2021: David George Beeby (Cockermouth)
- 2022: Alan McViety
- 2023: Samantha Scott
- 2024: Christopher Nigel Couper Holmes (Carlisle)
- 2025: Dr. Geoffrey Charles Joliffe (Barrow in Furness)
- 2026: Shirley Fawcett (Workington)
Summary of High Sheriffs
| Era | Notable Trends | Key Locations Mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 – 1999 | Strong association with historic halls and castles. | Penrith, Carlisle, Ulverston, Kendal |
| 2000 – 2026 | Increased diversity in professional backgrounds (e.g., medical, military). | Windermere, Barrow in Furness, Workington |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the High Sheriff for 2026?
The High Sheriff for 2026 is Shirley Fawcett of Workington.
Are there any medical professionals on the list?
Yes, the list includes Dr Adam Charles Illingworth Naylor (2005) and Dr. Geoffrey Charles Joliffe (2025).
Which locations appear most frequently in the records?
Carlisle and Penrith are among the most frequently mentioned locations associated with the High Sheriffs' residences.
Were there any military officers appointed as High Sheriff?
Yes, several military officers served, including Major Antony James Robinson Harrison (1985), Major Nigel James Clarkson Webb (1986), Major Timothy Richard Riley (1989), and Group Captain (Thomas) Richard Lee (2016).