Editor: Self Published by the Author
Published Date: 18/08/2023
Publisher: M.R.Stallion
ISBN: 9780957676022
Length: 94 pages
Price: £12.00
Available From: Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre. Waterstones or direct from the author: 68 High Garrett, Braintree, CM7 5NT email: martinstallion1@gmail.com
This 69 page book (plus appendices & index) gives an insight into not only the politics relating to the founding of an efficient police force for the country but also provides a snap shot of the infighting experienced within a small market town, and, to some extent the consequences of not having trained, uniformed police always to hand when needed. It is quite difficult to understand a society wherein policing was left to a few, often reluctant persons selected by the town burghers, and Saffron Walden was no exception to the proposed changes in the mid 1800s. Before reform, one or maybe two men would be designated for a year to fulfil the role of parish constable, and apart from expenses, it was an unpaid position. As a result of the The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 , the Town Council’s new Watch Committee was put in charge of appointing ‘a sufficient number of fit men to act as constable’.
By default it has to cover the infamous murder of the Town High or Chief Constable, William Campling who, after being shot on Wednesday 31st October 1849 died some six days later. Not only can one read about the actual murder, there is an added bonus with a transcript of actual proceedings from the court case.
Overall an interesting & well researched book which is a valuable contribution to our perception of early policing and life at that time, coupled with considerable civic change in Saffron Walden. Furthermore it should prove useful to anyone investigating police history, looking for ancestors involved in that profession, or maybe someone who played a part in Town affairs during that period.
The Author
Martin Stallion is a retired reference librarian and an active researcher into police history. His previous publications include bibliographies of British and overseas police officers’ memoirs and force histories. He is currently working on a history of Colchester Borough Police
Book review first appeared in Saffron Walden Historical Journal No 47: Spring 2024