An opportunity to witness the Rule of Law Celebration

Salisbury residents will have the opportunity to witness the Rule of Law Celebration on Sunday 3 March with a public procession through the streets of Salisbury and a thanksgiving service at Salisbury Cathedral.

Starting at 4.15pm, the striking procession will make its way from Salisbury Guildhall to Salisbury Cathedral and will consist of the Lord Lieutenant; the High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Sheriffs of surrounding counties; Wiltshire-based Judges; Armed Forces & Emergency Services Chiefs; Wiltshire Council officials; and the Deputy Mayor of Salisbury & Mayors of surrounding Wiltshire towns; – all led by the City Beadle and traditional Mace Bearers.

It will then arrive at the Cathedral at 4.25pm for the thanksgiving Legal service which coincides with the Sunday Evensong.

The Rule of Law Celebration dates back to the Magna Carta of 1215 which confirmed that every citizen has the constitutional right to trial by a jury of twelve fellow citizens and that they are presumed innocent unless & until proven guilty.

Upholding the Rule of Law has always been a central theme of the High Sheriff’s role, with regular celebrations held over the centuries to recognize its significance. These normally take the form of an annual Thanksgiving or ‘Legal’ Service hosted by the High Sheriff and attended by the county Judiciary and Law Enforcement agencies.