High Steward of Banbury

The High Steward of Banbury is a ceremonial title bestowed by Banbury Town Council in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England.

The stewardship was established by royal charter in 1554, during the reign of Mary I. By the same charter, Banbury became a parliamentary borough, which the seat remained until 1885. The High Steward was a major figure within the corporation, and the role was closely associated with the town's Parliamentary representation.[1] In today’s civic hierarchy the High Steward, who is usually a peer and has to be at least a knight of the realm, is an ‘officer of dignity and influence’ but with few specific duties and no monetary rewards.[2]

For several hundred years the title was held by members of the North and Fiennes families, the major landowners in north Oxfordshire.[3] In 1818 the title is recorded as having been "hereditary" for the Earls of Guilford, although this recording appears to be erroneous.[4] The role fell dormant following the death of the 20th Baron Saye and Sele in 1968; it was revived in February 2016 for Sir Tony Baldry.[5]