Sheriffs of the City of London Estlin and Alderman William Anthony Bowater Russell. The Sheriffs' jurisdiction covers only the square mile of the City of London. The High Sheriff of Greater London covers areas of London outside the City, which today incorporates parts of several old counties, most notably Middlesex. The title of sheriff, or shire reeve, evolved during the Anglo-Saxon period of English history. The reeve was the representative of the king in a city, town or shire, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing the law. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the City of London had sheriffs, usually two at a
Flag of the City of London it is hanging down (see below). This flag does not represent Greater London (which does not have its own flag, aside from the banner of the arms of the former Greater London Council), only the historical City of London which covers approximately . All references in this article relate to that city, not Greater London, unless specified. The flag is a banner of arms, derived from the city's coat of arms with the sword symbolising the sword that beheaded Saint Paul who is the patron saint of the city. Saint Paul has featured as a symbol of the city since