Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Heritage > Watch the Sheriff carry out a traditional custom in Lichfield

Watch the Sheriff carry out a traditional custom in Lichfield

By Caroline King - September 6, 2019Posted in : Heritage

Every year, an old boundary marking custom is carried out in Lichfield, Staffordshire, with the ceremonial Sheriff and a party of riders from the local area.

By Villafanuk - Lichfield City Arms
Lichfield City Arms

This year, The Sheriff’s Ride will take place on Saturday 7th September, starting from the Guildhall, before making a 20 mile journey around the outskirts of the city.

This historic event dates back to Queen Mary’s Charter of 1553, and riders still make a traditional circuit of the bounds of the city on horseback, led by the Sheriff of Lichfield. There are usually around 100 smartly turned-out horsemen and women who accompany the Sheriff, and the officials of the party can be seen gathering outside the Guildhall at 10am. There is a toast to the ride before the riders set off towards Curborough Hall Farm, Darnford Park and Freeford Estate.

In the afternoon, near to the end of the ride, Sword and Mace Bearers join the procession. The procession finishes back at the Guildhall at around 6.30pm.

When: 7th September 2019, from 10am
Where: Starts at Lichfield Guildhall, Lichfield, Staffordshire
£: Free to watch

More info: www.lichfield.gov.uk

Related Posts

  • The ancient custom of Beating the Bounds in London

Tagged With: Family events, Free events, Staffordshire events, West Midlands

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Lip-sync challenges and live street art at Another Fine Fest
Another Fine Fest 2017 - Ulverston - Cumbria - Contrary Life

Today and tomorrow, Ulverston will come alive with everything from live street art to lip sync challenges as Another Fine Fest returns to the Cumbrian town…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2022 · Contrary Life