The high sheriff is the oldest secular office under the Crown and is appointed annually (in March) by the Crown. The High Sheriff of Norfolk was originally the principal law enforcement officer in Norfolk and presided at the assizes and other important county meetings. Most of the responsibilities associated with the post have been transferred elsewhere or are now defunct, so that its functions are now largely ceremonial. There was a single high sheriff serving the two counties of Norfolk and Suffolk until 1576. Pre 17th century 17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century 21st century Footnotes References Norfolk Lists by Google books Norfolk Local government in Norfolk History of Norfolk High Sheriffs of Norfolk