Melksham man Robert Floyd has followed in his father's footsteps by been sworn in as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire today in a ceremony dating back to Saxon times.

Robert Floyd undertook his declaration and acceptance of office at his home, Great Chalfield Manor near Melksham, at midday.

He takes over from Madeline Wilks and will be responsible for a number of ceremonial duties during his year in office.

He is following a family tradition – his father Charles Floyd was High Sheriff in 1962.

Mr Floyd, 60, is a Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

He was educated at Eton then Oxford before studying in the United States.

After a career in business and banking, he returned to Wiltshire and the family farm.

He enjoys an enduring interest in wildlife and heritage and was chairman of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust for six years and is now president of Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust.

He and wife Patsy look after the 12,000 visitors who come to the National Trust-owned Great Chalfield Manor every year. They have three grown-up sons.

Mr Floyd was instrumental in launching a pioneering camera system for the early detection and prevention of the eye disease glaucoma and will support Wiltshire Blind Association during his year of office.

He said: “I am delighted to take on the role of High Sheriff. It’s an opportunity to do some good and to support people who work in the voluntary sector, especially where there are opportunities for crime prevention, and for care of offenders.

"I see it as a catalyst for positive change.

"This is an ancient appointment which pre-dates the Normans and it is an honour to accept it.”

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters of law and order and the judiciary.

It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown, and modern High Sheriffs still have a close relationship with judges, magistrates, the police, the coroner and the probation service. Their traditional duties include:

  • Attendance on any member of the Royal Family visiting the county
  • Being prepared to be the returning officer at parliamentary elections
  • Ensuring the well-being and protection of high court judges when they visit the county
  • Presenting court awards

Working with charities and voluntary organisations is an important part of the High Sheriff’s duties and Mr Floyd will be supporting Wiltshire and Swindon Crimebeat, a scheme which encourages young people to play an active part in reducing crime and creating safer communities.

The High Sheriff’s fund for this purpose is administered by the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon.