This truncheon belonged to THOMAS SWEETING who is believed to have been a police officer in RIPON in 1831. However, it is recorded in the Millenary Book in 1846 that it was ordered that he 'be not allowed in future to leave the precincts of the City and the Borough' - except on duties connected with his appointment - without the consent of the mayor or of two aldermen being previously obtained.
SWEETING had obviously done something not to the liking of the mayor, but exactly what is not recorded!
On the 9th of August, 1852, the following "complaints against police officer" - not identified but must have been SWEETING are recorded:
Inattention to his duties generally.
Neglected orders given him by the mayor.
Absent from the borough when required.
He was then later discharged from his office on the 3rd of October, 1853.
He afterwards sued the mayor and corporation for arrears of salary and succeeded in gaining a verdict." He won!
This object is a lovely example of nineteenth century craft but it also gives us a glimpse into the social history of the time - We would like to know even more about Sweeting, especially the circumstances leading up to his dismissal!
Share this link: