Sheriff Of London Collection

The Lord Mayor reading the News of the Victory on the Alma at the Sheriff's Inauguration... 1854. Creator: Unknown
The Lord Mayor reading the News of the Victory on the Alma at the Sheriff's Inauguration Dinner, at the London Tavern, 1854. News of the Crimean War reaches London

The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving)
1046233 The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs)

Mr Thomas Clarke (engraving)
1041196 Mr Thomas Clarke (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Thomas Clarke, Sheriff of London and Middlesex)

Mr Alderman David Evans (engraving)
1041194 Mr Alderman David Evans (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Alderman David Evans, Sheriff of London and Middlesex)

The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving)
1045752 The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs)

Sir Reginald Hanson, Baronet, MP (engraving)
1062574 Sir Reginald Hanson, Baronet, MP (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Reginald Hanson, Baronet, MP, the New Member for the City of London)

Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century (coloured engraving)
3640644 Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century (coloured engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century)

Sketches of the Honourable Artillery Company (engraving)
1595914 Sketches of the Honourable Artillery Company (engraving) by Schonberg, Johann Nepomuk (1780-1863) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches of the Honourable Artillery Company)

Mr Alderman Cotton (engraving)
1055972 Mr Alderman Cotton (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Alderman Cotton, the New City Chamberlain)

The Industrious Prentice Grown Rich, and Sheriff of London, 1747 (engraving)
1066694 The Industrious Prentice Grown Rich, and Sheriff of London, 1747 (engraving) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764); 20.3x29.5 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century (engraving)
968748 Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Costumes of English nobility, 17th Century)

The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving)
1055109 The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs)

The Industrious Prentice Grown Rich and Sheriff of London (Industry and Idleness, plate 8), September 30, 1747

City Feast, 1747, (1925). Creator: William Hogarth
City Feast, 1747, (1925). Plate 8 of 12 plot-linked engravings created by William Hogarth in 1747 for series Industry and Idleness. The Industrious Prentice grown rich, & Sheriff of London

Alderman John Boydell, 1801. Artist: Sir William Beechey
Alderman John Boydell, 1801. Boydell (1720-1804) was Alderman, Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London. An engraver by profession he made the first major bequest to the Guildhall collection

James Figgins, Sheriff of London, in shrieval costume, c1865. Artist: Maull & Co
James Figgins, Sheriff of London, in shrieval costume, c1865

Ceremony in Westminster Hall, London, 1811. Artist
Ceremony in Westminster Hall, London, 1811. Representation of the ceremony of presenting the Sheriffs of London, Samuel Birch, & William Heygate... in the Court of Exchequer

William Whetenhall, Sheriff of London 1440-1441, in aldermanic robes, c1450. He was also a member of the Grocers Company

William Cantelowe, Sheriff of London 1448-1449, in aldermanic robes, c1450. He was also a member of the Mercers Company

John Sutton, Sheriff of London 1440-1441, in his aldermanic robes, c1450. He was also a member of the Goldsmiths Company

Tombs in the Church of St Helen, Bishopsgate, City of London, 1794.Tombs of Lady Agnes and Sir John Crosby, with biographical text above

John Reay, Sheriff of London 1814-1815, c1814-1815. Artist: James Lonsdale
John Reay, Sheriff of London 1814-1815, c1814-1815

Sir John Whittaker Ellis, c1865. Artist: Maull & Co
Sir John Whittaker Ellis, wearing a scarlet gown and shrieval chain and badge, c1865. He served as Lord Mayor of London in 1881-1882

A Sheriff of London, dressed in early fifteenth century civic costume and holding a staff, c1830
View of a Sheriff of London, dressed in early fifteenth century civic costume and holding a staff, c1830

Sheriffs of the City of London presenting a petition at the House of Commons, London, 1926
Presentation by the Sheriffs of the City of London of the petition of the Corporation against the Union of Benefices and Disposal of Churches (Metropolis) measure, at the Bar of the House of Commons

Sheriff in his state carriage during the Lord Mayors Procession, 1824

Brothers in law! or the finishing flourish of a City officer!!, 1827; showing the Recorder Newman Knowlys tied to a post and being whipped by Sheriff Farebrother using a cat o nine tails

Mark Lane, London, 1783. Christopher Atkinson in the pillory outside the Corn Exchange, London, in the presence of the Sheriffs

A Wood-in Triumph, or a New Idol for the Ragamuffins, 1809. Artist: C Williams
A Wood-in Triumph, or a New Idol for the Ragamuffins, 1809. A crowd of labourers and beggars doffing their hats or drawing the Lord Mayors coach, containing Sheriff Wood

William Abraham, Sheriff of London 1448/1449, in aldermanic robes. He was also a member of the Vintners Company

John Derby, Sheriff of London 1445-1446, in aldermanic robes. He was also a member of the Drapers Company

William Combes, Sheriff of London 1441-1442, in aldermanic robes. He was also a member of the Stockfishmongers Company

Robert Horne, Sheriff of London 1446-1447, in aldermanic robes. He was also a member of the Fishmongers Company

The industrious prentice grown rich... plate VIII of Industry and Idleness, 1747
The industrious prentice grown rich and sheriff of London, plate VIII of Industry and Idleness, 1747; the scene is old Fishmongers Hall

Sketch for Industry and Idleness - Plate VIII, 1747. Artist: William Hogarth
Sketch for Industry and Idleness - Plate VIII, 1747. The industrious prentice grown rich and sheriff of London. The scene is old Fishmongers Hall

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"The Sheriff of London: A Legacy of Leadership and Tradition" In the bustling streets of 17th-century London, a figure emerged as a symbol of authority and justice - the Sheriff of London. This esteemed position was held by individuals such as Mr Thomas Clarke, Mr Alderman David Evans, Sir Reginald Hanson, Baronet MP, and many others who left an indelible mark on the city's history. Through engravings capturing their noble presence, we catch a glimpse into their world. Dressed in splendid costumes befitting English nobility, these sheriffs embodied power and prestige. Their portraits stand alongside those depicting The New Lord Mayor and Sheriffs - a united force dedicated to upholding law and order. Among them was Mr Alderman Cotton, whose image reflects his dedication to public service. As part of the Honourable Artillery Company sketches, he exemplified the values that made him worthy of this honorable role. But it is The Industrious Prentice Grown Rich who truly captures our imagination. Through an engraving showcasing his ascent from humble beginnings to becoming Sheriff in 1747, we witness the embodiment of industry triumphing over idleness. The role of Sheriff carried immense responsibility; they were entrusted with maintaining peace within London's boundaries while representing its citizens' interests. These men navigated complex political landscapes while ensuring justice prevailed for all. Their legacy lives on today through institutions like The City Corporation which continues to uphold traditions established centuries ago. From ceremonial duties to civic engagements, modern-day sheriffs carry forward this rich heritage with pride. As we reflect upon these engravings portraying influential figures who once donned the title "Sheriff, " let us remember their commitment to serving society selflessly. They stood at the forefront during times when leadership meant more than just holding office.