Law and Order in Newport 1750-1914

1750-1850

The system of dealing with law and order in 1750 was little different from medieval times. There was no police force and in each parish (the area served by a church), constables were elected each year by the local residents. In the towns there were 'watchmen' to patrol the streets. In Newport the main constable was called the ‘Headborough’. He and his constables carried decorated truncheons. Parish Constables were still being elected until the 1890s.
Justices of the Peace - the local gentry - sat in Quarter Sessions or Petty Sessions hearing cases and handing down sentences. Since detection was unlikely in those days, there were over 200 crimes punishable by death or transportation. In 1823 a Newport constable arrested a man - despite being shot at - who had robbed Sheriffhales' church. The man was subsequently executed. One form of traditional punishment was humiliation. People were placed in the stocks. These stood in front of the old market hall (where the Central Square nightclub is now). These were still being used in the 1860s for drunks.

During the Napoleonic wars there was rioting and fighting close by in the Donnington mines. As a result of which the Newport Patrol was set up to guard the town with teams of volunteers. Their guardroom was 72 High Street, on Middle Row.

In 1839 a police force was started in Shropshire. Newport was in the Wellington division. Of the 43 constables appointed, 18 soon dropped out through drunkenness or theft. In 1841 one of Newport policeman was a 25 year old John Davy. He was described as having a stovepipe hat, a leather stock around his neck to prevent being strangled, a blue suit, a long frock coat, and he carried a staff, manacles (handcuffs) a lantern, rattle and, at night, a cutlass. The original 'lock-up' or 'crib' was in the old market hall but in 1847 a police station with cells was built on Stafford Road and it is still there now. It had concrete walls and floors, to prevent people from escaping.

Until 1880 the traditional curfew bell was rung from the church to tell people to get off the streets. The curfew was in force from 8pm until 6am.

1850-1914

By 1850 Newport had a police force but times were still not peaceful with fighting and rioting in the High Street. In 1882 a group of Irish people ambushed the police, including the Deputy Chief Constable, who were taking prisoners to Shrewsbury jail, in the High Street and the fight went all the way up to Newport railway station at the end of Station Road.

However by 1900 Newport was a peaceful, placid Victorian town despite the odd, habitual drunkard.

A full album of images relating to this theme can be found by clicking on 'More Images: Law & Order in Newport 1750-1914' on the lefthand menu.