Christopher in the role of a historic official (5)

I believe the answer is:

reeve

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'official' is the definition.
(I know that reeve is a type of official)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for reeve that I've seen before include "estate supervisor" , "Thread (rope) through a ring, old official" , "mate of the ruff" , "Former official - female ruff" , "Old English magistrate or bailiff" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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