Parish Constables

Identity area

Type of entity

Corporate body

Authorized form of name

Parish Constables

Parallel form(s) of name

    Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules

    • Parish Constables; 1285-1835

    Other form(s) of name

      Identifiers for corporate bodies

      Description area

      Dates of existence

      1285-1835

      History

      The role of parish constables developed over centuries, with royal edicts dating from 1285, and form part of the communal organisation of local affairs via the administrative unit of the parish. In York, the number of parishes led to a large number of constables, and the relationship between the corporation and these parish officials was complex. They came under the jurisdiction and direction of Justices of the Peace in the 17th century. They were replaced by a professional, corporation-run police force in 1835 in York.
      Crime prevention and investigation function taken over by City of York police in 1835.

      Places

      Legal status

      Functions, occupations and activities

      Constables were appointed by each parish to keep the watch, assist in the collection of taxes and bring offenders to justice. They were appointed by each parish as unpaid amateurs but expenses were often paid.

      Mandates/sources of authority

      Internal structures/genealogy

      General context

      The role of parish constables developed over centuries, with royal edicts dating from 1285, and form part of the communal organisation of local affairs via the administrative unit of the parish. In York, the number of parishes led to a large number of constables, and the relationship between the corporation and these parish officials was complex. They came under the jurisdiction and direction of Justices of the Peace in the 17th century. They were replaced by a professional, corporation-run police force in 1835 in York.

      Relationships area

      Access points area

      Subject access points

      Place access points

      Occupations

      Control area

      Authority record identifier

      GB0192-103

      Institution identifier

      GB0192

      Rules and/or conventions used

      International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa

      Status

      Level of detail

      Dates of creation, revision and deletion

      Language(s)

        Script(s)

          Sources

          Maintenance notes