United Kingdom Police - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Scotland Yard

brendamason5259 — 2010-03-20 22:12:03Z

Today we associate Scotland Yard with law enforcement, however, I've read that Sir Christopher Wren had lodgings in Scotland Yard from the mid-1600s until his retirement as Superintendent of Works. My questions arising from this are:

What was the origination of Scotland Yard, and who of the royal employees would have been granted lodgings there as a part of his employment perks? (I've googled "Scotland Yard" but only get information on present day SY.)

Are any of these old buildings still a part of the Scotland Yard complex?

Any answers or reference direction anyone can provide would be VERY helpful.

Thank you,
Brenda Austin Mason
Austin, TX

Re: Police constables

pam_bauwens — 2009-07-23 03:49:04Z

hi--- thank you so very much for your help, l am pleased to say that l have been able to receive a copy of Reubon Bodfishs' police record, l did not have the same luck regard Herbert Noon who was a "special constable" a lot of these records have disappeared over the year. thanks again--pam

Re: Yorkshire Police

pazbhan1 — 2009-07-22 17:38:43Z

Dear Jeff

Thanks for your reply. Will have a look on those sites. Thanks for your help.

Maggie

Re: Police constables

JeffH01 — 2009-07-22 13:55:15Z

Records of the Metropolitan Police, including records containing key information about officers, like an alphabetical register of joiners that gives the officers Warrant number, as well as other records, are help at the National Archives, Kew. See the leaflet at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/rdleaflet.asp?s... .

As you will see the leaflet also refers to records at the Metropolitan Police Archives who hold some incomplete records of the Divisions [districts of policing]. I remember years ago the Local “Bobby” lived in a police house in the area they patrolled, but others lived in houses that were owned or paid for the Police Service, through an officers “housing allowance”. I don’t know when the allowance started but it ended in fairly recent years.

Unless a officer was dismissed for misconduct, he would have received a Police pension, the present retirement age is around 55, but most people ignore the fact that a much a larger proportion of a policeman’s pay is deducted for his pension than the general workforce would have stopped for their Company’s pension scheme.

Although this link at http://www.met.police.uk/history/records.htm repeats most information in the National Archives’ leaflet you may find the timeline and some other information of interest. You may also find more of interest and more importantly some guidance or help from The Friends Of the Metropolitan Police Historical Collection see http://www.fomphc.org.uk/viewpage.php?page_id=1

As no records are online, and if the “friends” web site can’t help with a contact, you may need to employ a researcher. I can’t recommend anyone but to find a list of specialists from the NA’s home page at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ , from the menu bar select “Research and learning” > Paying for research. Noting the cost of using the NA’s staff, click on Independent researchers, from the drop down menu select “Metropolitan [London] Police records” click “find researchers”.

In the list returned you’ll find many with web sites and almost all with email, spend time to check them all out and chose a few to obtain estimates from, most will cost plus copies but beware any that say plus travel, if they spend their days at the NA or in London the bulk of travel expenses should be included in their cost/hourly rate. If you go ahead set a cost limit they can’t go above without coming back to you.

Good luck

Re: Yorkshire Police

JeffH01 — 2009-07-22 12:33:35Z

Try the contacts on here - http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/history/policing/police-archives-...

Yorkshire Police

pazbhan1 — 2009-07-21 21:46:59Z

I am looking for information about Alfred Walter Geary. In 1911 he was stationed in Barnsley and lived in Hoyland Common. How can I find out any more info about him and his police record?

Re: Uk Police records

annahendrick22 — 2009-04-07 00:52:30Z

thanks will let you know result

Re: Uk Police records

JeffH01 — 2009-04-06 22:20:25Z

Greenock was originally covered by the Renfrew & Bute Constabulary that became part of Renfrewshire Constabulary.

Looks like any records will be at Michell Library, Glasgow see http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Library_Services/The_...

Scroll down to Refenfrewshire, also a contact at bottom of page.

Good Luck
Jeff

Re: Uk Police records

annahendrick22 — 2009-04-04 14:34:41Z

hi noticed your reply re Police. Would you know how to trace record for a Police Officer Greenock about 1890. Hope you get this anna hendrick

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

annahendrick22 — 2009-03-23 19:38:41Z

thanks will try tjay

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

Graeme_Savage — 2009-03-23 18:44:17Z

Not realy.

From the 1960's to 1975, Greenock was part of Renfrewshire and Bute Constabulary. Prior to the 1960's Greenock was 'policed' by Greenock Burgh Police.

I am not sure where the records are held for either the Constabulary or Burgh Police. The best bet would be to contact either the Mitchell Library or the local council archives.

If you need any further help, please let me know.

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

annahendrick22 — 2009-03-23 14:29:51Z

when you say glasgow would that include greenock thanks tj

UK police links and info

mi2early — 2009-03-19 20:59:30Z

Try these links for information about your police ancestors. Many of the sites have links to even more helpful sites.

Bibliography of British Police History: www.open.ac.uk/Arts/policebiblio/

City of London Police history: www.cityoflondon.police.uk/CityPolice/About/History/

Cleveland Police Force History: http://www.cleveland.police.uk/force_info/history.htm

Dorset Police Force History: http://www.dorset.police.uk/Default.aspx?page=415

Essex Police Museum: http://www.essex.police.uk/museum/

Fife Police Pictorial History: http://www.fife.police.uk/Default.aspx?page=1813

Friends of the Metropolitan Police Historical Collection: http://www.friendsofmethistory.co.uk/
and
http://www.fomphc.org.uk/viewpage.php?page_id=1

Greater Manchester Police: http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/pages/history.htm

History of the Metropolitan Police (with book of remembrance): http://www.met.police.uk/history/

History of Surrey Police: http://www.surrey.police.uk/about/history.asp

History of Neath Police: http://www.south-wales.police.uk/fe/transfer.asp?id=401

History of policing in Ireland: http://www.psni.police.uk/index/about-us/about_museum

History of the Guernsey Police: http://www.guernsey.police.uk/ccm/cms-service/download/asset...

Lincolnshire Police History: http://www.lincs.police.uk/index.asp?locID=435&docID=-1

Metropolitan Police Staff records: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/familyhistory/guide/trade...

Metropolitan Police research guide: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?s...

Museum of Policing in Cheshire: http://www.museumofpolicingincheshire.org.uk/

North Yorkshire Police History: http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/index.aspx?articleid=430

Nottinghamshire Police History: http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/about/history/

Police Roll of Honour: http://www.policememorial.org.uk

Police History Society. From Peel to modern day policing: www.policehistorysociety.co.uk/

Tayside Police History and Museum: http://www.tayside.police.uk/history.php

Thames Police History: http://www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk/
UK Police Service website: www.police.uk

UK Police Service website: www.police.uk

Police Uniform Identification

waawh50 — 2009-02-28 20:27:00Z

Does anyone recognise this uniform, it looks to have a Police badge but I'm not sure, if this is English,Irish or somewhere else.

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

mowmal — 2009-02-01 00:41:10Z

Thank you Graham. I will follow up on this link and then let you know how I go on.
Regards;
Derek

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

Graeme_Savage — 2009-01-31 17:01:36Z

Hi Dereck

The wesite should read

www.mitchelllibrary.org

Sorry for any problems caused

Graeme Savage

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

Graeme_Savage — 2009-01-31 16:59:38Z

Hi Derek

The website for the Mitchell Library is

www.mitchelllibrary.co.uk

Once you are into the website, there is a link for 'Contact us'. If you click on this link, you will see the address, phone and fax numbers plus the facility to contact the Mitchell Library.

I hope this helps you.

Graeme Savage

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

mowmal — 2009-01-30 02:11:32Z

Hi Donald,
Thanks for that. Do you have to address enquiries to any specific dept. within the archives?
Regards;
Derek

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

mowmal — 2009-01-30 02:09:17Z

Hi Graeme,
I've just seen your post of April 2008 after Ancestry notified me of another post on the same topic. I don't know if I've missed their notification of your post or if they didn't notify me but in any case thanks for replying.
I haven't been doing a lot of research over the last 18months or so as I've been so busy but intend to take it up again from now on,as I've been able to ditch some committments.Do you still ahve contact info. for the Mitchell library please?
Regards;
Derek

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

donsinclair1 — 2009-01-29 14:49:09Z

Derek,

I am also on aquest, tracing my great granfather who retired from Edinburgh police in 1927, I got details from Edinburgh City archives

regards
Donald Sinclair

Policemen serving in Birmingham 1938

alan1vf8fff2t49brb9u0hds6mtjoo2rt — 2009-01-15 16:02:27Z

Hi
Trying to find my mothers friend Percy Newman which I Believe was stationed in Steelhouse lane, Birmingham

Re: Further Police related research

milford_lass — 2008-12-04 17:58:49Z

have you seen this Owen on the AIF

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-heroes/0-cat-index-hall-...

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-medals/australian_vc.htm

here is tom axford but not mine unfortunately

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-vc/axford-vc.htm

thank you for thinking of me

shirl

Re: Further Police related research

milford_lass — 2008-12-04 17:49:57Z

thank you so much owen, i had been informed a while ago that thomas george axford from my family had moved to australia from swansea were he opened up a shop after leaving milford, he did own the shop on the corner near the empire picture house, in the early 1900's, i wonder now if this is him hmmm. i will apply to the site you kindly gave to me for details on him

bless you
shirl

Re: Further Police related research

Orielbenfro — 2008-12-04 16:53:24Z

Shirley

If you have not looked already suggest you refer to the following page with reference to the Axford's
http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11203.asp
I am currently looking at the Harrington brothers of the 16th Btn A.I.F. whose parents resided at Manorbier.

Police constables

pam_bauwens — 2008-11-15 04:46:34Z

my great-grandfather Reubon Bodfish was listed as a police constable in the 1881 census, and by 1901 he had retired at the age of 50----during this time he lived in Cheyne Walk Chelsea---would like to know if possible the area he policed and if anyone else is re-searching him. Or how l can find this information out for myself, bearing in mind that l live in Australia.

Re: Metropolitan Police

MargaretKing14 — 2008-11-12 16:51:56Z

Jeff,

I am very grateful for your reply, I will make the checks you have suggested.The service records have come from checks made by someone at The Metropolitan police history society so I suppose it is possible that there were 2 people of the same name although everything other than the inspector info matches up.

It is difficult for me to get to Kew but will try to get pension info from their website.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Margaret

Re: Metropolitan Police

JeffH01 — 2008-11-09 16:11:01Z

Today a police constable could only be “made up” to temporary sergeant, if he had passed the forces sergeants examination, and would not be able to take an inspectors exam’ until he’d spent time as a sergeant.

So either [1] the rules were different 100yrs ago, [2] you’ve got two different people, [3] there’s been a simple error in the census and on death certificate or [4] there’s another explanation.

[1] If you have his police service record, I would have thought it should state if promotion was temporary or if it was permanent but he was demoted. Contact the Metropolitan Police Museum and ask the question.

[2] Check the records at the National Archive for another officer with same name. Also check the Police Index on the Blacksheep web site at http://www.blacksheepindex.co.uk/ , he may have been named in a newspaper report – wont be much detail just rank and perhaps division and/or collar number.

[3] Least likely, but not as daft as it sounds. In both cases the informant may have simply stated he was a police officer but given no rank, then the Enumerator [census] and Registrar or his/her Clerk [death certificate] had assumed that meant Constable and wrote that in place of officer.

I don’t know if the record was his copy or you’ve obtained it from the National Archives, Kew, but there are other records that may help in the NA see http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?s...
If he was married did his wife receive a widows pension? There may be something in those records that may help clarify things.

Jeff

Re: Uk Police records

JeffH01 — 2008-11-09 15:01:40Z

It may be a bit late.

The National Register of Archives [NRA] lists records for Gloucestershire Constabulary in the Gloucestershire County Archives [Record Office] they include:

Gloucestershire Constabulary - GB/NNAF/C36446

NRA Ref NRA 34587 Glos Constabulary

1845-1984: recruitment and service records, station diaries and financial records, murder enquiry papers, photographs, general orders, note books of constable [description truncated]

NRA Ref NRA 3514 Glos RO misc
1937, 1955-59: notebooks of Chief Superintendent Harry Thomas

NRA Ref No NRA Ref
1839-1987: additional station diaries and other records

The Gloucestershire archives is at Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW
Google for web site.

Metropolitan Police

MargaretKing14 — 2008-11-08 15:08:05Z

My grandfather was in the Met.and, according to records was promoted to Inspector in July 1897. On the 1901 census and on his death cert. in 1914 he was listed as a Police Constable. I can find no sign of his being demoted for any reason and wonder if it is possible that he could have been made up to a TEMPORARY Inspector for the period of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Does anyone know if this happened?

I would be grateful for any help or ideas. Many thanks.

Re: Further Police related research

milford_lass — 2008-09-04 19:14:13Z

thank you so much for this information Owen bless you

shirley

Re: Further Police related research

Orielbenfro — 2008-09-03 14:15:43Z

Shirley
From my index of Pembroke St Mary Baptism Register for the period 1847 – 1895
24 Jan 1884 James to Rees & Mary Brinn of Orange Gardens a Police Officer baptized by W. Jones.
Rgds
Owen Vaughan
ORIEL a welsh window on a surname

Re: Further Police related research

milford_lass — 2008-09-03 13:12:05Z

Dear Owen

I had been in touch with the police about information for a police officer serving in milford haven at the time of 1899, i have a inquest for my great uncle William Henery Axford who drowned in the haven and it was PC Brinn who took the rope from the fishing trawler on milford beach and pulled his body to the slip, may i have information about PC Brinn if you are able to give me any.

thank you
shirley

Further Police related research

Orielbenfro — 2008-09-03 11:42:48Z

With reference to the wide interest in the thread on Police related research. From my own Pembrokeshire related index’s the following surnames are of serving or retired police related events from circa 1837 to circa 1950.
Evans(2), Hart, Howells, Clarke, Wakerwall, Phillips, Davies(2), Jenkins, Henton, Haywood, Gedge, Herbert, Thomas, Brinn, George, Thomas, , Laugharne, Lewis, Veal, Coffey, Coffee, Forse, Preece, Mills, Morgan, Owens, Wheatley, Davies, Melhuish, Wharton (of Hertfordshire), Oxtimeier(railway police), Howells, Asparassa, Davies (of London), Williams (of London), William, Folland (of Glamorgan), Harries, Skyrme (of Leeds).
I have no information on service records only information where the profession is mentioned in relation to other events i.e. Bapt, Mrge, Burgess etc.
If I can assist let me know.
Rgds
Owen Vaughan
ORIEL a welsh window on a surname

Uk Police records

AnnetteGilroy — 2008-07-21 21:04:13Z

Hi, I'm trying to find out more about Miles Lane who was a police sargent in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire according the cencus records. Does anybody have any advice where to look?

Police Forces in Forfarshire

RossCameron42 — 2008-06-17 21:48:27Z

I am researching the details of officers who served in Forfarshire Police/Angus Police up to 1930, and the constituent forces of Brechin, Kirriemuir, Montrose and Forfar Burghs on the formation of Angus County Police. I am also interested in the members of Arbroath Burgh Police, who amalgamated with the (then) new force of Angus Constabulary in 1949. I shall be delighted to hear from anyone who may have had these officers in their family tree, or who may be able to provide photographs of the men or their stations, and I hope to make my findings available to all interested parties. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Re: Arthur Boness

dgiblett — 2008-06-12 07:51:04Z

I have been able to find my Arthur did not leave the UK, he died in 1898 at the age of 31 in West Ham. His wife re-married and she, her husband and daughter from her first marriage emmigrated to Australia sometime between 1892 and 1901.

Thank you for taking time to respond.

Re: Arthur Boness

Sharkbay — 2008-06-12 03:40:32Z

Sorry to disappoint you however my Arthur was in in the UK and to my knowledge never came to Australia, Hope you have luck in finding your Arthur.

Re: Arthur Boness

dgiblett — 2008-06-02 04:19:09Z

Hello - I have in my family tree a Sophia Alice Boness (b. abt 1897) who lived in Western Australia in 1915 when she married Percy Anderson. She was still in WA up to 1924 but I have lost her after that.

Her father, listed on the marriage certificate is George Arthur Boness (deceased) and her mother was Sophie Pluckrose.

Any connection to your Arthur?

Re: metropolitan police sergeant wimbledon area 1912

JeffH01 — 2008-04-22 03:17:02Z

Some records may still be with the "Met", but many are in the National Archives, Kew see http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?s...

Re: Service records for Scottish Police forces

Graeme_Savage — 2008-04-14 19:28:09Z

I came across your entry when looking at the occupations section of the Ancestry.com message boards.

The Mitchell Library in Glasgow holds the service records for those officers who served with the City of Glasgow force. This may be a starting point. If you need any contact information for the library please let me know.

As far as Edinburgh is concerned, I am unable to help you at present. The Mitchell Library in Glasgow may be able to help.

Hope this helps

Graeme

metropolitan police sergeant wimbledon area 1912

clarsjmr — 2008-04-12 19:46:19Z

can anyone tell me how I can find out about my great grandfather his name was frederick william brown and in 1912 he was resident in wimbledon faraday road he was a police sergeant in the met.
or is there anyone who lives in that area who would look at the electorol register for that year as I dont live anywhere near.

Service records for Scottish Police forces

DEKKAXX2 — 2007-07-05 21:53:48Z

Hello All,
Can anyone tell me if there are any surviving service records for the Police forces of Glasgow & Edinburgh from the 1860's until the 1920's please?
My wife's ancestor; James Alexander Stuart served for many years in both forces & we think that he finished his career as an Inspector in the Edinburgh force.
Thank You & Regards;
Derek
Never Say Die

Arthur Boness

Sharkbay — 2007-04-27 08:45:35Z

Trying to trace my Grandfather, Arthur Boness was a policeman in london,islington, Hackney area. not sure of his DOB however my father was born in 1927. Thank you

Re: Victorian Metropolitan Police Stations

chelleh1 — 2007-04-13 14:09:25Z

Hi Wendy

Unfortunately the website where I had access to look up names of people who had served in the Metropolitan Police Force has now withdrawn public access.

If you go to http://www.externalserver.me.uk:8085/ it does give information on how you can get someone to look up names for you now, however this does attract a small fee.

Best of luck with your search

Regards
Michelle
Melbourne, Australia

Re: Victorian Metropolitan Police Stations

wendy01702 — 2007-04-13 11:07:06Z

I have got a member of my family who was a metropolitan Police Officer. His name was Henry King in the 1881 census he was a police officer. I was wondering if anyone can find any information about him and where he was stationed please.

Thank you
Wendy

Re: POLICE SERVICE RECORDS

65hplane — 2007-04-08 13:33:45Z

Lee

I got some information from the MPS Historical Collection email Barbara.Street@met.police.uk and she referred me on to alan@alanmoss.demon.co.uk who actually responded to my enquiry. I got a pensions record for him which showed start and end dates of service and when he was pensioned off (1865 - 1892, so a bit earlier than your enquiry). It also had his warrant number. He said that for any more detailed information, to go to the National Archives. He also had a website, www.historybytheyard.co.uk.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Andrea

POLICE SERVICE RECORDS

leeharding_1 — 2007-04-08 06:08:32Z

CAN ANYONE ADVISE IF THERE ARE RECORDS KEPT FOR POLICEMEN SERVING IN LONDON AROUND 1910 AND WHETHER THESE RECORDS WOULD HAVE INFORMATION ON THEIR FAMILIES?

REGARDS
LEE

Tracing a policeman -- George Hardcastle Prest

nuttybabes — 2007-02-03 12:56:34Z

Trying to trace a policeman : George Hardcastle Prest born June 1853 in Edmondsley chester-le-street in 1881 was living in Lavery Street Heworth, Durham, England with wife Elizabeth nee Hirst and daughter Sarah A and son Jeffery. Any1 who knows how 2 get information on coppers please contact me.

Re: Sgt. James Stevens, Yorkshire

amiracomp — 2007-02-03 12:54:47Z

That's fantastic - thank you for your assistance!

Re: Sgt. James Stevens, Yorkshire

mrs54 — 2007-02-03 12:54:09Z

Here is some good news to narrow your search period

source: W. White, Leeds,Bradford,Huddersfield....1866 directory.

1866 Heckmondwike
Stevens. James, Police Sergeant, greenside.

Now all you have to check is the years till march/apr 1871.

mrs 54