This film is part of Free

Black Sheriff of Nottingham

He jokes that he's joined the 'chain gang' but there is more than ceremonial robes for Tony Robinson as Nottingham's first black Sheriff.

Magazine and Review show 1989 8 mins

From the collection of:

Logo for Media Archive for Central England

Overview

The role of Sheriff of Nottingham was originally an enforcer of the law and dates back to Anglo Saxon times. Since the formation of a police force it has become a ceremonial job with a nod to the tourist trade. However, in 1989 a minor landmark was reached for the historical role when Tony Robinson was named as the first black recipient of the title. A former Nottingham bus driver Robinson was getting used to life in a chauffeur driven car after twenty five years on the buses.

Tony Robinson was also the Sheriff of Nottingham in 1993 and 1997. He died in 2002.