An ancient tradition of Wiltshire is the annual ‘Rule of Law’ Celebration that takes place each year in Salisbury and marks the end of the High Sheriff’s ‘Shrieval Year’, this year being that of Dr Olivia Chapple.
‘Ancient’ tradition? Yes, dating back to the signing of the first Magna Carta in 1215, one of the four surviving copies of which is located within the Cathedral. The office of High Sheriff is one of the oldest in the country, pre-dating the Magna Carta and reaching back into Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, the High Sheriffs remains the sovereign’s representative for matters of law and order and takes an active interest in the administration of justice. The appointment is honorary and there is no remuneration.
A bit is history: the ‘Rule of Law’ celebration was traditionally held at the start of each Assizes session. The Assizes were courts held in principal towns around the country – including Marlborough – where travelling judges were assigned the most serious cases put forward by local courts or quarter sessions.
As such, one role of the High Sheriff was to host and offer protection to the travelling judges and the ‘Rule of Law’ ceremony was one way of demonstrating the power and majesty of the law to the people of the county. Today, the ‘Rule of Law’ celebration marks the handover from one High Sheriff to the next and is used to reflect on the good works of the office holder throughout the year.
Mayors, Judges and the Lord Lieutenant Lady Sarah Troughton processed from Salisbury Museum to the west door of the cathedral and then took part in the very moving service of thanksgiving. This year, Marlborough Mayor, Kym-Marie Cleasby led the procession accompanied by her Mayor’s Consort (husband Rod) and the Cryer and Macebearer.
It’s official – Marlborough St Mary’s is an exceptional school
