In 1403 Henry IV gave Norwich the right to appoint a Lord Mayor and Sheriff. The Charter states that: ‘the Mayor may have a sword carried erect before him in the presence of all magnates and lords except the King. The Sergeants-at-Mace of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff may carry gilt or silver maces with the King’s Arms even before the King within the liberty.’
Not many Lord Mayors or Mayors have the right to a sword and only a very few, have the right to carry maces erect in the presence of the Monarch.
The added dignity of the title ‘Lord Mayor’ was conferred by Edward VII in 1909 and confirmed in 1974 by Letters Patent.
The office of Sheriff dates back to a Charter of Henry IV granted in 1404 which enabled the city to appoint two Sheriffs. This was reduced to one in 1835.
Under the Letters Patent granted in 1974 the Sheriff is a ‘local Officer of dignity’ and, as such, holds purely ceremonial status within the city’s life. The council may appoint a non-member of the council to the office.
Today
The Lord Mayor and Sheriff represent the city as first citizens. They receive many requests to attend functions through –out their term in office and may attend up to 500 events. It is not always possible for them to attend every event due to such demand on their time. Generally the civic heads only attend events within the city council area of jurisdiction but on special occasions may be able to attend some functions outside of the boundary.
The type of functions that they may attend will vary from:
- Formal openings
- Visits from dignitaries
- Visits to schools and hospitals
- Launch of festivals
- 100 year old birthday celebrations
- Activities related to their chosen charity
- Significant large and small scale projects within the community
