James Attrill is the second in his family to hold the prestigious position. James is a farmer and a partner at Merstone's BCM rural property specialists. He aims to spend his year highlighting mental health, especially in children and young people, and also supporting the emergency services. What is a High Sheriff? A High Sheriff, easily spotted when wearing a distinctive black, or blue, velvet uniform. The role is an independent and non-political figure and dates to the Saxon era. There have been High Sheriffs for 1,000 years. High Sheriff is a Royal appointment, lasting for just 12 months, and the position was historically known as a ‘Shire Reeve’, responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county.