21/04/2026
👉Our next History Society talk
👉Tuesday 28 April at 8pm
❓ Dr Elaine Saunders looks at law and order before 1841 in Harpenden.
A former lawyer she studied for her thesis in 2018 ‘Men of Good Character, strong decent and active: Hertfordshire’s Petty Constables, 1730-1799’ on which this talk is based.
The office of petty Constable was ancient, developed in the 13th century based on medieval systems.
Dr Saunders will explain what sort of men were appointed, their duties and what kind of offending they dealt with. The photo of the stocks is a clue!
By the 18th century it was the lowest tier of official law enforcement. Chosen from local householders often yeomen tradesmen or substantial tenants.
A temporary appointment, it was chosen annually. They could arrest people, pursue criminals, and supervise the night watch. But because the job was unpaid and burdensome people often tried to avoid it!
Social changes eventually led to the formation of the constabulary.
🎫 Members and student free. Visitors welcome and £5 donation requested
