Wiltshire’s new High Sheriff was sworn in on Monday, 29^th March in a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times. But like last year, the ceremony was anything but traditional! The Declaration and acceptance by Sir Charles Hobhouse Bt. was a ‘virtual’ one and followed the Service for the Rule of Law, which was hosted by the outgoing High Sheriff, Major General Ashley Truluck. Both were recorded and will be available shortly.    

Sir Charles is from Monkton Farleigh, where he runs a wildlife friendly mixed farming estate. He previously lived in Australia for a few years and travelled extensively through the continents of Africa and South America. One consequence of this was he became quite familiar with the London Tropical Diseases Hospital at Kings Cross! He continues to enjoy mountaineering and trekking to obscure places.   

As well as farming, Sir Charles is involved with various wildlife groups and individuals who keep records of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, moths and bats present. He is currently chairman of the Wiltshire Country Landowners Association. He is married to Annette, who is from New South Wales, and they have two boys aged 11 and 9.

Sir Charles said, “It is a great honour to become High Sheriff of Wiltshire for 2021/22.  During my year I hope to visit many local charities throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. My main theme will be the care of people with mental health issues, particularly the young, and how to better include them in mainstream society. I will also be taking a strong interest in wildlife conservation and the environment”.

Additional background information

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the County for matters of law and order.  It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown. High Sheriffs play an active role in upholding the principal parts of the Constitution i.e. members of the Royal family when visiting the County; the Judiciary, Police, Prison service and other law enforcement agencies; the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, and all recognised faith groups. They also work closely with the voluntary sector in their wider role of helping maintain safe and stable communities. The post is entirely voluntary and unpaid.

For more information visit the webpage http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-environment-high-sheriff

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