Blind houses, ducking stools and whipping posts will be just some of the historic detail unearthed by historian Ward Jones when he unpicks the history of policing and crime in the Westbury area.

Visitors to Ward’s talk for Westbury Heritage Society will be treated to an illustrated whistle stop tour through time, exploring how the town would have been policed, justice administered and punishment meted out.

The talk - “It’s A Fair Cop!” - takes place at the Methodist church in Station Road on Tuesday 29 January at 7.30pm.

Ward explains: “Following government legislation in 1839 counties were given permission to go about establishing county police forces. Wiltshire magistrates, anxious about unrest across the county, took the bold decision to set up a force in Wiltshire. They beat Gloucestershire to the mark and became the first county to do so”.

Ward’s talk will highlight how the force operated, how it was funded and how the new force affected the town. He will also look at how law and order was kept in the town before the police force was set up.

The talk promises to be interesting and popular – everyone is welcome. Tickets can be purchased on the door or through our website at www.westburyheritagesociety.org.uk

Ends

Note:

• Accompanying pic shows the old Westbury police station which was at the end of Edward Street.

• More information please call Sally Hendry on 01373 229981