Category: Law and Order

The Wiltshire Constabulary – Area Policed

From the booklet Wiltshire Statistics 1985, published by Wiltshire County Council, 1985:

The Wiltshire Constabulary was the first County Police Force to be established in the United Kingdom when, on 28th November 1839, Captain Samuel Meredith was appointed the first Chief Constable. This is reflected in the Constabulary motto ‘Primus et Optimus’ (the first and the best).

The Force is responsible for policing the administrative County of Wiltshire, a total area of 348,065 hectares with a population in 1983/1984 of 532,100.

Abbott ~ Gravestone Inscription At St. Denys’ Churchyard, Warminster

Summer 1980

From “Parish Church of St. Denys’ Graveyard Survey”, Warminster: inscriptions recorded by students of Kingdown School, Warminster, Summer 1980:

In loving memory of John Abbott born April 20th 1815 fell asleep June 22nd 1908. At rest. Superintendent of the Warminster Police Division 1847 to 1876. Also of Rose Mary wife of the above who passed to her rest April 20th 1913 aged 70 years. R.I.P. George Thomas son of John and Anne Abbott died of cholera at Catrulla 9th April 1875 aged 13 years. Emma Elizabeth only beloved child of John and Anne Abbott fell asleep 23rd October 1875 aged 23 years. Thy will be done. Anne Jane eldest daughter of John and Anne Abbott died 30th August 1867 aged 23 years. Anne the beloved wife of John Abbott departed this life 12th March 1871 aged 59 years.

Plot 729.

Warminster Petty Sessions 1922

Warminster Petty Sessions, 1922

Petty Sessions are held in the Town Hall on the first Thursday in each month, at 10.30 a.m., and a Special Sessions on every Saturday at the same hour, or on any other day if required.

The Magistrates for the Division are:

The Marquis of Bath (chairman),
The Duke of Somerset,
Mr. G.N. Temple,
Colonel the Hon. W.P. Alexander,
Dr. Alcock,
Lord Heytesbury,
Mr. R. Hibberd,
Mr. W.F. Blaxter,
Captain Fane,
Mr. H.E. Pike,
Mr. R. Stratton,
Mr. R.H. Artindale.
Mr. A.H. Jefferys.

Clerk – Mr. H.A. Wakeman.

Office – 22 Market Place.

Thomas Ponting, Solicitor, Warminster

Thursday 13th August 1915

Mr. Thomas Ponting, of Ponting & Marshall, solicitors (which later became Farnfield & Nicholls), High Street, Warminster, journeyed to London to attend the trial of George Joseph Smith, of the notorious Brides-In-The-Bath murders. (Smith was hanged for his crimes on 13th August 1915).

Beatrice ‘Bessie’ Mundy, daughter of a Warminster bank manager, was one of Smith’s victims. George Smith and Bessie Mundy were married at Weymouth in 1910. It was in connection with the murder of Bessie that Thomas Ponting set off for London to attend the trial. While there he contracted a severe chill, from which he died on his return to Warminster. He died on 22nd April 1915. He was 73 years old.

Warminster ~ Martial Law For Public Houses

From The Wiltshire Times, Saturday 6th March 1915:

Warminster. Martial Law For Public Houses.
At Warminster Petty Sessions on Thursday, it was announced that by virtue of the powers conferred on him, Major General Altham, of Southern Command, had decided to close all public houses in Warminster, Wylye, Bishopstrow, Longbridge Deverill, Corton and Stockton except between the hours of 1 to 2 p.m. and 5.30 to 8 p.m.

Law And Order In Warminster, 1911

1911

Law And Order In Warminster

Warminster, Petty Sessions Court

Magistrates:
The Most. Hon. the Marquis of Bath (Chairman), Longleat;
Mr. G. Knowles, Stockton House;
Captain A.H. Southey, Eastleigh Court, Bishopstrow;
Mr. H. Theodore Cookson, Sturford Mead, Corsley;
Mr. G.N. Temple, Boreham Manor, Warminster;
Colonel the Hon. W.P. Alexander, Church Farm House, Sutton Veny;
Mr. Arthur Newall, Fisherton Delamere House;
Mr. Byam M. Davies, Corsley House;
Mr. W. McMinnies, The Manor, Fisherton Delamere;
Mr. E.J. Bradfield, Oaklands, Warminster;
Dr. Charles Alcock, Byne House, Warminster;
Mr. Lindsay Bury, Norton Bavant House;
Rev. G.H.S. Atwood, Bishopstrow (ex-officio).

Clerk, Mr. H.J. Wakeman.

Petty Sessions are held at the Town Hall on the first Thursday in each month at 10.30 a.m., and a Special Sessions on every Saturday at the same time, or any other day if required.

Police – Warminster Division:
Superintendent, Mr. T. Lane (Warminster).
Inspector, Mr. F. Witt (Westbury).
Sergeant Cox (Warminster).
Sergeant Bryant (Heytesbury).
Sergeant Jones (Horningsham).

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