A large attendance at the April meeting of the History Club heard ex- policeman Robert Mee, give a very informative talk about the origins of our Derbyshire bobbies.
In the early 19th century the only upholders of the law were the Parish Officers who also had many other different roles – from gathering taxes to recruiting for the army. It was not a popular job and they were not allowed to prosecute the wrongdoers. Victims of crime had to bring prosecutions themselves, pay for them and were even responsible for a constable’s expenses. Because of this nearly 140 Associations for the Prosecutions of Felons came into being in Derbyshire, whereby the costs of prosecution were shared amongst the members.
For a big event, special constables were sworn in, and the military could be involved. This however was later to be avoided at all costs after the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. Borough towns were also allowed 12 night- watchmen. Not a very safe job. In fact, later on, policemen on night patrols were armed – sergeants with a revolver, and constables with cutlasses, (when the Glossop force was being formed, they put in an order for 12 cutlasses). Miscreants could be detained at night in a small lock-up and “pretty” little examples of these are still to be seen at Alfreton and Ticknall.
Watch Committees in towns had many duties including weights and measures and apprehending inmates who were absconding from workhouses etc. but they were sometimes hampered by the ratepayers. In 1833, Heanor appointed P.C. Hitchinson to uphold the law, but he was sacked as “costing too much”. At that time, as now, much of our police cover was paid for by the ratepayers, and at one stage they voted against having a police force in Derbyshire at all. Nevertheless, Bakewell nick and the old police station at Buxton were built by voluntary subscription.
Robert’s splendid old photographs showed smartly dressed policemen in Derby resplendent in top hats similar to the Peelers in London and they were allowed 2 shillings a week as a boot allowance. But, they were kept busy, as in some places they doubled up as the Fire Brigade and were ambulance men as well! Some did 6 hour shifts in the daytime followed by 6 hours at night seven days a week with no holidays and one officer had to cover 20 hours apprehending “troublemakers at Tideswell Fair”. They were told to be in uniform at all times and that all should attend either church or chapel.
Robert also said that he had only told us a fraction of the intriguing stories that he had researched, so a welcome repeat visit is well on the cards. This splendid programme brought to an end another excellent series of talks. Many thanks to Julia, our hard-working speaker finder and to the rest of the committee. Please listen out for us on the second Thursday in November when we will be back (President Trump permitting!).
Brian Woodall.