sentences:  On 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, the title of Sheriff of Derbyshire was retitled High Sheriff of Derbyshire.The High Shrievalties are the oldest secular titles under the Crown in England and Wales, their purpose being to represent the monarch at a local level, historically in the shires.The office was a powerful position in earlier times, as sheriffs were responsible for the maintenance of law and order and various other roles.