He was raised in the town, where his father served as Sheriff for a time.

He served as Sheriff of Devon in 1469 and 1475.

He served as Sheriff of Cheshire from 1752 to 1753.

He served as Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1582 and 1602.

He also served as High Sheriff of Down in 1868.

He has also served as High Sheriff before, having fulfilled the role in 1990.

He served as Sheriff of Cumberland from 1222 to 1233.

He also served the county as High Sheriff from 1982 to 1983.

There is no limit to how many consecutive 4 (four) year terms an individual can serve as Sheriff.

He had also served as Sheriff of London in 1377.