In medieval England, shires were administrative divisions that were governed by a reeve. The position of reeve was an important one, as they were responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the shire on behalf of the king. Reeves were typically appointed by the king or local landowners, and were tasked with collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that the shire ran smoothly. The role of the reeve dates back to the early Middle Ages, when the concept of the shire was first introduced by the Anglo-Saxons. The term "shire reeve" eventually evolved into the modern word "sheriff," which is still used today to refer to the chief law enforcement officer in a county. Reeves were often chosen for their loyalty to the king or local lord, as well as their ability to enforce the law and maintain order. They were typically men of high social standing, and were expected to uphold the values and customs of the community. Over time, the role of the reeve evolved to include more administrative duties, such as overseeing the collection of taxes and maintaining records of land ownership. As the shire system became more centralized, the position of reeve became less important, and eventually fell out of use altogether. Today, the role of the reeve has been largely replaced by elected officials such as county commissioners or councilors. However, the legacy of the reeve lives on in the title of sheriff, which is still used in many counties across England. For more information on the history of shires and reeves, you can visit the website of the National Archives at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Here you can find a wealth of information on the medieval administration of England, including documents and records relating to the role of the reeve in the shire system. In conclusion, shires have had reeves since the early Middle Ages, when the concept of the shire was first introduced by the Anglo-Saxons. The role of the reeve was an important one, and played a crucial role in the governance of the shire. Today, the legacy of the reeve lives on in the title of sheriff, which is still used in many counties across England.

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