The Shirriffs, also known as the Watch, were the sole form of law enforcement in the Shire, and the closest thing to a form of defense or deterrent that the Shire possessed.
The position of Shirriff was a voluntary honor. There were a total of twelve Shirriffs, three for each Farthing, though more could be called up in time of need (as happened around TA 3001). The only thing that differentiated Shirriffs from other Hobbits was a feather they were given to wear in their hats. The Shirriffs carried no arms or armament of any sort and wore no uniform.
The Shirriffs were headed by the First Shirriff which was answerable to the Mayor of Michel Delving.[1][2]
History
The Shirriffs were probably based on some form of ancient tradition, possibly dating back to the Kingdom of Arnor. But as the Shire was a peaceful place, their only purpose was protecting the Shire from trespassers. They were also possibly responsible for deputizing hobbits into the Bounders service who patrolled the borders.
When Lotho Sackville-Baggins ruled the Shire under Saruman during the War of the Ring, he took personal control of the Shirriffs service under the title "Chief Shirriff". The Shirriffs were increased in number, many against their will, and those that already were appointed couldn't quit; but some liked it or even signed up, and organized into troops or companies such as the First Eastfarthing Troop and supported by the Ruffians. The Shirriffs were also armed far more heavily than previously. Their orders during these troubled times were to arrest anyone who broke the rules.
When the Shire was freed by the return of Frodo and company, the Shirriffs were returned to their original numbers and purpose.[3][4]
Etymology
The term "Shirriff" is most likely based upon "Shire Reeve", the Anglo-Saxon term that eventually gave rise to the word "Sheriff" in modern English. Shire being analagous to "county" and "reeve" being an English term for an appointed official who represents a landlord.
Known Shirriffs
- Tobias Hornblower
- Lotho Sackville-Baggins
- Broncho Stonecrow
- Robin Smallburrow
References
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, Prologue, III: "Of the Ordering of the Shire"
- ↑ The Complete Guide to Middle-earth
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Chapter VIII: "The Scouring of the Shire"
- ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Chapter IX: "The Grey Havens"
Template:Space