Keeping the Peace

Watch and Ward register (reference: CA 1490)

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century Britain experienced much upheaval due to war, economic downturn, food shortages and social unrest. In particular the Luddites were responsible for many disturbances in Nottingham and the surrounding area. The Luddites destroyed the stocking frames of some hosiers in protest against the lowering of their wages and the introduction of 'cut-ups' in place of fashioned hose.

Following riots and civil unrest in the early nineteenth century, the borough of Nottingham enlisted 'special constables' from among the property-owning classes who would be obliged to help keep the peace by 'watching and warding' - looking out for trouble! This register was compiled in 1816 and lists those men who had volunteered for this role.

George Africanus had neighbours who owned several knitting frames - the trustees of his will were framework knitters and businessmen. The fact that George is recorded on the watch and ward register shows that he was an active and responsible citizen who was prepared to 'do his bit' to keep the peace. The register records that he was a labourer living on Chandlers Lane, and was aged 55 when it was compiled.

Find out more...

• Larger version of the register: follow this link to see the register in more detail [PDF 575KB]
• Transcript: read a transcript of the register here [PDF 15KB]
• Nottingham records: find out about other records created by the borough of Nottingham here
• The Luddites: find out more about the Luddite riots here
• Further information: explore other web sites and online resources

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