ABSTRACT
In Britain during the Dark Ages, a limited range of community services were provided locally. With the emergence of a united England, beginning in the reign of Alfred (871–99), the separation of functions between central and local government gradually began to develop. In medieval times the sheriff acted as the local representative of the King in a particular county, and he possessed considerable powers. An important contribution made by the office of sheriff, from the King's viewpoint, was that it helped limit the power of the barons. The sheriff presided over the shire (county) courts. He also had responsibility for: collecting taxes and paying the proceeds over to the Exchequer; military organisation in times of war; administering a rudimentary policing system; and bringing prisoners to justice.
