High Sheriff learns of 'complexities and demands' at Shropshire inquests
HS Mrs Katy Tanner listened to a variety of investigations at Shropshire Coroner’s Court.
The High Sheriff of Shropshire learned of the “complexities and demands” of life as a coroner when she attended inquests.
Katy Tanner, who was appointed to the role for 2026/7, listened to the findings of investigations into deaths at a number of hearings at Shropshire Coroner’s Court, Guildhall, Shrewsbury yesterday (Monday, October 26).
Nicholas Walker, senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “The High Sheriff is the King’s appointee in the county for the preservation of peace.
“They work with the probation service, the courts and the judiciary.
“She is here to confirm her commitment to this court. That’s why she is sitting here with me.”
HS Mrs Tanner listened to a variety of cases including openings, where the brief initial information of a death was put into the public domain, to full inquests, detailing all of the most important parts of the evidence from a death investigation.
The High Sheriff told the Shropshire Star she was interested to learn about the “complexities and demands” of the coroner’s role.
“We’re lucky to have him,” she said.
The role of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,000 years to Saxon times, being the King’s local agent responsible for managing royal estates, presiding over shire courts, collecting taxes and enforcing law.
High Sheriffs became the most powerful figures in their region during the Norman times, handling arrests and maintaining prisons. However, their power led to widespread corruption, prompting heavy restrictions.
Modern High Sheriffs are an independent, non-political, ceremonial Crown appointment lasting one year, chosen traditionally by the Sovereign.
Their primary active duties include supporting the judiciary, crime-prevention initiatives, and emergency services in their county.
When she was appointed, HS Mrs Tanner said: “Raising awareness of the challenges facing the Probation Service, and supporting and promoting the work of rehabilitation groups is what I would like to focus on during my Shrieval year, and I intend to do so to the very best of my ability.
“I also aim to support the Shropshire Community Foundation, a charity that directly supports communities across the ceremonial county, helping them to thrive by championing local organisations, connecting them with donors, and channelling funds where they are most needed.
“Until I began my preparation for the role of High Sheriff, researching rehabilitation charities and community groups across Shropshire, I believed I knew a great deal about our beautiful, bucolic county. It has quickly become evident that there is still much more to learn.
“Over the coming year, alongside my High Sheriff duties, I look forward to deepening my understanding of the many groups and charities that make Shropshire such a wonderful place to live, and to offering as much support as I can.”
Mr Walker was sworn in last week as the region’s senior coroner, having joined from his previous role as area coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.
He previously worked as a criminal barrister.
The role of coroner was introduced in the late 1100s. Historically, the job was created as a check on corrupt sheriffs, and involved inspecting bodies and arresting suspected murderers.
The modern coroner’s role involves collating and presenting evidence from witnesses in a death investigation and holding a public hearing which answers four key questions - who died, where, when and how they came by their death.