The title Bailiff of Guernsey has been used since at least the 13th century and indicated the leading citizen of Guernsey.
The 90th and current Bailiff is Sir Richard McMahon.
History
A Bailli, the early Norman name for Bailiff was the person who held and preserved the territory for the Duke of Normandy via the Sénéchale de Normandie and their Vicomté des Îles, upholding the laws of Normandy.
Significant change took place following the loss of Normandy in 1204 with King John appointing resident Wardens to defend the islands. John, as Count of Mortain, having himself been made a Warden of the Isles in 1198. The first Bailiff of Guernsey was Hugh de Trubleville who served from 1270 to 1277.
The duty of the Bailiff was to preside over the Royal Court and direct the twelve Jurats who had the power to render judgement.
The Bailiff was required to reside in Guernsey and was appointed by either the King or the Warden of the Channel Islands or Guernsey although it was later normal for the Jurats to elect a Bailiff. before being invited to the Bar in Guernsey. More recently the proposed Bailiff now normally serves as H.M. Procureur and/or as Deputy Bailiff before assuming the duty of Bailiff.
- Political
- Presiding officer of the States of Deliberation, acting as moderator of debate.