Item Description
Original Item: Only one Available. Here is a great piece of London Dock Yard history! The dockyards in the Wapping area of London, along the River Thames, were where what is said to be England's first Marine Police Force was formed. This occurred in 1798 when magistrate Patrick Colquhoun and a Master Mariner, John Harriott, decided to take action against the widespread theft and looting from ships anchored in the Pool of London and the lower reaches of the river. Its base was (and remains) in Wapping High Street and it is now known as the Marine Support Unit. The Thames Police Museum, dedicated to the history of the Marine Police Force, is currently housed within the headquarters of the Marine Support Unit, and is open to the public by appointment. The dock police became even more important after the construction of the large London Docks, just north of Wapping.
To patrol the docks and surrounding areas, weapons were needed, such as this Club, measuring about 14 inches long, with a 2 1/2 inch wide head, attached to the handle with a leather thong. It has a silver shield attached to the side which reads:
PUBLIC OFFICE
WAPPING
No
42
This would be a very convincing "persuader" to deter thieves and looters, who were often unarmed, raiding ships and warehouses in the night when most were asleep.
A great piece of London Dock history, ready to Display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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