Sheriff's Ride Registration Form
Published: 08 August 2016
The 2016 Sheriff's Ride takes place on 10 September. If you would like to participate, please complete the Registration Form and return it to Lichfield City Council, Donegal House, Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU or email the form to sarah.wallace@lichfield.gov.uk.
Queen Mary’s charter of 1553 commanded the Sheriff of Lichfield to "perambulate the new County and City annually on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary".
Today, holding true to custom, the Sheriff commences the Ride at Guildhall at 10:30am, and followed by a retinue of about 50 riders, commences a route of around 20 miles, covering the boundary of the City. The northern and eastern boundaries are covered in the morning, arriving in the grounds of Freeford Manor for lunch The High Sheriff and other Civic Heads are invited.
The Ride then resumes, completing the circuit of the boundary and stopping for tea at Pipe Hall. Returning into the City, the Sheriff and riders are met by the Sword and Mace Bearers at approximately 6.15 pm to be escorted down Beacon Street to the Close where they are greeted by the Dean, before returning to the Guildhall at about 6.30 pm.