11/9/2022 0 Comments Hue and cry from constable![]() ![]() Justice was a hit and miss affair, though, as in disputes the constable was often responsible for choosing the jurymen, to his own advantage.Īlong with the churchwarden, the constable was supposed to keep an eye on the moral compass of the neighbourhood. Minor offences could be punished by a stay in the stocks, but more serious misdemeanours had to wait for the Justice at the Quarterly Assizes, known as the Quarter Sessions. If no gaol or lock-up was available, the constable had to find suitable premises and a watchman to keep the wrong-doer under lock and key. When the miscreant was caught, that was not the end of the constable’s responsibility. “given to Richard Taylor for going to Aram with a Huincri in ye night 2d” The constable could call upon the villagers or townspeople for help, and anyone who refused to give chase or lend his horse to the party, was fined. ![]() The pay for chasing a criminal was anything from one penny to one shilling, depending on the perceived danger. If a murder or robbery had been committed, or a criminal had escaped, the constable was responsible for recruiting a search party. Like doctors or vets today, the constables were constantly ‘on call’, meaning they often had to leave their dinner or their sleep to deal with the drunk and disorderly, street fights, or criminal activities. This law was extremely unpopular, as these were not imported items from abroad, as before, but everyday necessities, and the enforcing of this law, and the collection of these monthly excise duties must have been a great burden on the elected constables. A duty was put on provisions coming into the cities from the country – on beer and cider and soap, and the next year on salt, hats, starch, and copper goods. Their duties were primarily in disputes over land and territory, particularly with regard to tenancies, but also after the Excise Act of 1642 they were also charged with collecting tax and duty on goods. Once a year, the constables from neighbouring parishes were sworn in at the local Justice’s office or residence by the High Constable of the County. However, what it did do was to promote a shared citizenship, and in the early 17th century, gave prominent householders an understanding of how the systems of ancient Manorial land ownership worked. Unlike later police, the position was strictly amateur, with the constable receiving no remuneration for his services, which could be both dangerous and cumbersome. Though I have to say, I rather like the idea of a woman fulfilling this role, and may very well use it in a novel one day! Given the often violent nature of the job, Jane Kitchin was obliged to hire a deputy. ![]() I have read of one occasion in 1644 where in Upton, the householder turned out to be a widow. The office was usually held yearly amongst the wealthiest householders who were obliged to serve, or provide a deputy in their stead. Tenants were not allowed to be constables. During the 17th century the responsibility for law and order fell on the community through its constables though actually only a proportion of the community were eligible for this post – that is the householders. In many of my 17th century novels, people fall foul of the law in one way or another, and so I found it fascinating to examine what was in place to keep the peace in this era before the Police Force. ![]()
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