Anglorum speculum, or The worthies of England, in church and state Alphabetically digested into the several shires and counties therein contained; wherein are illustrated the lives and characters of the most eminent persons since the conquest to this present age. Also an account of the commodities and trade of each respective county, and the most flourishing cities and towns therein.

CHAP. XV. Of Sheriffs.

SHeriff is a Reeve or Overseer of a Shire, in Latin Vicecomes, or Deputy of an Earl or Count, who anciently presiding over a County, gave names both to the Place, and deputed Jurisdiction. In the year 888. K. Alfred first divided England into Shires. The Clerk of the Peace for each County in Mich. Term, presents to the Lord Chief Justice, six or more names of able Persons for the Office of Sheriff, of whom three are presented to the King, who pricks one to stand Sheriff, for the County. His Power is to suppress Riots, secure Prison∣ers, distrain for Debts, execute Writs, return Knights and Burgesses for Parliament, empannel Juries, attend the Judge, see the Execution of Ma∣lefactors, &c. By 4. H. 4, 5. Sheriffs are to abide within their Counties. 'Tis observed by some, that anciently the Office of Sheriff was Honos sine onere, in middle times Honos cum onere, and in our days Onus sine Honore, a burden without honour.