What was the role of the Shire Reeve in England?

The Shire Reeve, often referred to as the Sheriff, served as an important officer of the Crown in medieval England. This role involved representing the monarch in local governance and administration within a specific county or shire. The Shire Reeve had various responsibilities that included overseeing law enforcement, collecting taxes, managing property, and ensuring that the king's laws were upheld within their jurisdiction. As a direct appointee of the Crown, the Shire Reeve acted as the king’s representative, which underlined the authority and importance of this position in maintaining order and governance across England during that period.

The other options don't align with the core function of the Shire Reeve. While a Shire Reeve certainly had jurisdictional authority, their primary title and function were tied to their role as an officer acting on behalf of the monarchy. Therefore, their responsibilities went beyond the simpler definitions of landownership, city governance, or solely judicial authority, reinforcing the significance of their role as a vital link between the local populace and the Crown.