Common Hall; one of the annual unique and colourful elections in the City of London has taken place.
It is the summer’s day event held close to the longest day of the year, mainly to elect sheriffs, the oldest secular elected office in the UK.
Common Hall is the term used to describe the gathering of liverymen, and used for elections.
It’s a rare election, with a unique electorate, acclamation and the names on the ballot are held high for all to see!
The Election today was of the Sheriffs held each Midsummer Day (this year 24th June).
Two sheriffs were elected and subsequently, if approved by the Sovereign as his judicial representatives, they take office in September.
The role of the Sheriffs of the City of London is based around two key tenets: To form an integral part of the City of London Corporation’s Civic Team in support of the Lord Mayor promoting London; and to support and uphold the rule of law as custodians of the Old Bailey, the most famous criminal court in the land.
