b'so that they could maintain their status as outsider.crepe covering to the second button of the tunic or By this time the Force had had a pay rise, with 21serge jacket.shillings being paid to first class constables and 18After being fitted for a new uniform, it was possible shillings and 8 pence for second class constables. for the constables to buy their old clothes back; After this very bad start, things improved fora greatcoat would be 2/6, a tunic one shilling and Bishop Wilton, and 2 of our Constables weretrousers sixpence.mentioned in the Yorkshire Gazette for gallantry shownA typical constables career encompassed 10 in the course of arrests. In May 1868 PC Charlesmoves from village to village, which must have been Alden was commended for his arrest of George Beck,difficult for their families. Although farm workers at alias Heuderman; and in 1871 PC Thomas Speddingthat time changed their spots very regularly, they was granted a gratuity of 30 shillings for apprehendingwere part of a farming community, whereas the police Lythe Rook. He was severely kicked and injured at theconstable was encouraged to be more of an outsider. time of the arrest, remaining on the sick list from thatThis underlines the major change in the administration dayhe was finally dismissed 3 years later, a yearof law and order, from a local do-it-yourself system after leaving the village. to a centralised, top-down system.The Constables also started to stay in Bishop Wilton for longer, 3 or 4 years at a time. William Stephenson was the longest serving village officer, being here for 9 years between February 1874 and February 1883. During that time he was promoted to 1st Class Constable, granted a Merit Badge for general good conduct, promptitude and vigilance in the execution of his duty. Sources:Although all policemen were allowed a few Beverley Archivesdays annual leave by this time, even this wasChief Constables Report 1857not uncontrolled. In 1886 Major Bower, the ChiefHull Watch Committee, 1885Constable, announced that he was not prepared toEast Riding Constabulary Record Bookshave men on annual leave simply being idle at theirGeneral Orders Bookstations (which in most cases were also their homes,Photographsremember!)their leave days would only be grantedDefaulters Bookif the men were going away. And, whats more, theyStanding Orders Bookwould have to report their presence to the Divisional Station at the place where they were staying. It was A A Clarke Country Coppers: The Story obviously considered a vocation rather than just a job,of the Policemen of the East Riding (1857-with many restrictions. Constables were warned not1968), published by Arton Books, 1993to accept drink gratuitously from publicans when off-dutythey had to be on their guard against undue Census Returnsinfluence.Hon George C Brodrick English Land and During the 1890s the East Riding force purchased 12 pedal cycles for selected constables to use onEnglish Landlords, published by the Cobden patrol; they were not allowed to use their own bikes, ifClub, 1881they had them, as it was judged they would see more Roger Swift Police Reform in Early Victorianpatrolling on foot. When one constable from BishopYork, 1835-1856, published by the Borthwick, Wilton was ordered for duty at Driffield Hirings his only1988transport was his cycle, and he had to report for workat 8 am, work all day, and then cycle home againaYorkshire Gazette 1868 and 1871long day indeed!Peter Rogers and Sarah Quinney Then andFrom 1899 telephones were gradually introducedNow, Pocklington Police Station 1899 & 1999, into police stations, which must have made anpublished by GTGraphics, 1999enormous difference to the speed of communication. Following the death of Queen Victoria on 22nd D Foster The East Riding Constabulary inJanuary 1901, the Chief Constable decreed thatthe 19th Century, Northern History XXI, 1985mourning should be worn by all ranks of the East Mervyn Mitton The Policemans Lot, Riding Constabulary as follows: Superintendents and Inspectors to wear a band of crepe (3 inches wide)published by Quiller Press, 1985round the left arm between the elbow and shoulder; TheCompleteParishOfficerpublishedbySergeants and Constables to wear a black cloth orRivington et al, 177264 BULLETIN 5'