The chief representative of the crown in the shires (counties) of England from the early 11th century, taking over many of the duties previously performed by ealdormen. Sheriffs assumed responsibility for the fyrd, royal taxes, royal estates, shire courts, and presided over their own court, the Tourn. They abused these powers, as an inquest of 1170 showed, when many were dismissed. However, by c.1550 the office had become purely civil, as a result of the proliferation of specialist royal officials (Coroners, 1170, Justices of the Peace, 1361, Lords Lieutenant, 1547).