Act 21

The Victorian Policemen

The story of two Chief Constables and a wartime detective

A Policeman’s Lot is not a Happy One

An introduction from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, 1880

Return to the Matrix

This Act of the Farndale Story differs from the others. It follows the lives of three individuals in some detail and the Act is quite lengthy as it incorporates contemporary media articles. It reflects attitudes, innovations, society and events from the Victorian Age to the Second World War and provides a unique perspective on social history. Not everyone following the Farndale Story will wish to read the full Act, given its length and detail, so the Act is well interspersd with sub titles, so that those who wish can dip in to topics that might take your fancy.

There is even more for those who are interested in every detail of these three men. A full account of the lives of the elder Joseph Farndale, the younger Joseph Farndale, and Thomas Henry Farndale can be read in their own webpages, but this Act of the Farndale Story brings out the main features of their stories.

Part 1 – Joseph Farndale the Chief Constable of Birmingham

Scene 1 - The Middlesbrough Bobby

In 1861, the nineteen year old Joseph Farndale was working as a farmhand, driving the plough one weary day when his employer came up to him and complained about his work. The young man felt that life could be better than that, and he threw down his tools and declared that he would go off and be a policeman.[1]

Thereby Joseph, and later his nephew and his nephew’s nephew, started three long and illustrious careers with the police.

By 1862, the elder Joseph Farndale was a police constable in Middlesbrough, charging one offender with using foul and disgraceful language, and another with being drunk and riotous[2]. He dealt with miscreants who variously stole boots from a market stall[3], were caught as pickpockets[4], stole eight yards of flannel[5] and fought when drunk[6]. Another offender was violent as he was taken to the nick after kicking and drawing a knife[7]. By 1864, Joseph was a police sergeant[8] and in 1865, he married Jane Newton, the daughter of a Middlesbrough coachman[9].

By November 1867, Joseph had been promoted to Police Inspector[10]. He was soon dealing with cases of fraud[11] and he dealt with the mysterious death of a seven year old child from suffocation[12]. His rise was so meteoric that by 1868 he was confident enough to apply for a Police Superintendent/Chief Constable role at Durham[13], for which he was shortlisted, and in the following year he was appointed to be Chief Constable of Chesterfield Police in Derbyshire[14]. By his gentlemanly manners and thorough efficiency as an officer, Mr Farndale has gained the respect of all classes at Middlesbro’; and we have no doubt he will fill the responsible office to which he has been elected with credit to himself and advantage to the community among whom he is placed[15].

Scene 2 - The Chesterfield Chief Constable

In 1869, the year he was appointed, he was soon dealing with a case of multiple robberies taking place in the local brothels and opposing applications for the renewal of licences for beerhouses that harboured improper characters[16]. That year he managed to get a raise for all his police officers of 1s per week[17]. In his Chief Constable role, he was also appointed to be the Sanitary Inspector[18] and by 1 January 1870 he had arranged for the opening of new slaughter houses, so that slaughtering of animals in the old Shambles was to be forbidden[19]. He was also appointed Inspector of Weights and Measures, at a salary of £25 per year[20] and borough inspector under the Factory Act[21].

Joseph appeared regularly in court and was even involved in cross examination of witnesses. When a labourer of Chesterfield was charged with cutting and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Church Walk, Chesterfield, the prisoner, as he was referred to, asked another witness “If you tell the truth about that knife, I gave your wife a gill of beer for it”. Joseph Farndale quickly stepped in and asked him “Then you don’t deny it was your knife”, to which the prisoner responded that he didn’t.[22]

Control of Dogs

In August 1870, John Crampton, medical botanist, was charged, that after public notice had been given directing dogs to be confined on suspicion of canine madness, he did suffer his dog to be at large during the time specified. He was also charged with being drunk and riotous on Friday last. Mr Farndale said the man was a thorough nuisance to the town.[23]

In August 1871, Joseph was able to report that Gentlemen. I beg to state that since your last meeting the town has been free from offences of a serious nature; that the conduct of the offices and constables with one exception has been good, and they have been active in the discharge of their various duties. There has been a considerable decrease in indictable offences, as compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year, and a slight increase in cases determined summarily.[24]

Within a short time, Joseph Farndale was making a further move to promotion to the Chief Constable of the Leicester Police and he was selected for that role in October 1871 out of a pool of sixty candidates[25]. The deputy town clerk read Mr Farndale's letter resigning his post, which concluded by a hearty expression of thanks to the Mayor and members of the Council for their assistance in the duties he had to perform[26]. It was remarked that it is a great proof of Mr Farndale's high position in his profession that the testimonials of those with whom he has come in contact during his career should have been so favourable[27].

Scene 3 - Chief Constable of Leicester Police

Joseph Farndale probably from his time with the Leicester Police Force[28]

Joseph Farndale was appointed Head Constable of Leicester Police on 27 October 1871. He replaced Mr Charters. His salary was £220 per annum, with a house included.[29]

Charters was succeeded by Joseph Farndale, who more than anyone else, laid the foundations of the efficient police system which modern Leicester possesses. When Farndale came to Leicester in the 70s the force was only 90 strong, although the population had increased to 25,000 people. Farndale was not long in making changes. He scrapped the tall hats and frock coats which made the constables look more like funeral mules then policemen and substituted helmets and tunics. The townspeople were rather critical of these changes, but in time they came to appreciate that the new uniforms tended to create a cleaner respect for the power of the law. Many of the recruits to the force were not used to discipline, and hardly likely to inspire respect, even if they did create fear. Drunkenness was all too common in the force and the Watch Committee had a difficult job to improve matters. One step in the campaign was taken when Farndale endeavoured to create a team spirit by forming a police band, under the conductorship of Inspector Smith. This soon became one of the most popular institutions of the town. The band played in the municipal square every Friday night and was always in demand for concerts. But alas, good intentions do not always bring the best of results. It was found that the police became much more interested in their music and their concerts then in their duties as policemen, and the Watch Committee had reluctantly to disperse the band. There was at that time an astonishing amount of undetected crime in Leicester for a small town, and Farndale set out to discover the reason. In those days, the practice was to make the person robbed pay the costs of apprehending a prisoner who had left the town after the crime, and many people either could not afford to pay for a police chase or preferred to allow justice to go unsatisfied, rather than make a personal sacrifice. This of course was a ridiculous state of affairs and before long Farndale had persuaded the Watch Committee to allow the cost of such arrests to be borne by the ratepayers. How far Farndale would eventually have gone in this war against crime we are never to know because at the peak of his career he was offered the Chief Constableship of Birmingham and naturally accepted it. Farndale, I remember, was succeeded by James Dunn of Durham whose chief claim to fame was that he altered the system of night beats, following a big sale robbery at Gimson’s Vulcan Works, when thieves got away with £1,000 in cheques and money. In Farndale's time there was a fixed beat system, which enabled criminals to choose their time for a robbery and carry it out more or less at leisure.[30]

A new look for the Leicester Force

Thus it was that in 1872, Joseph Farndale called for a change in image, replacing long frock coats with tunics, heavy rattles with a whistle and chain and high silk hats with lighter caps. He also introduced a probationary period of up to 5 weeks during which time a police officer required to prove his suitability for role. In the same year, sergeants of the Borough wrote to Joseph Farndale to complain about the practice of turning off street lights during summer months.

The perils of throwing orange peel and flying kites

In January 1872, the thoughtless and dangerous practice of throwing orange peel on the causeways was commented upon by the mayor. He called the attention of Head Constable Farndale to the circumstances and he hoped he would give instructions to his men to remove the orange peel from the footpaths whenever they saw it, and that persons would refrain from the culpable habit of endangering the limbs of their fellow creatures. With the aid of the police, and the cooperation of the more reflective portion of the public, it is hoped a check will be put upon this abominable nuisance.[31] The mayor was clearly a person quick to be enraged and in September 1872 the Mayor called the attention of Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable, to the practice of flying kites in the streets, and pointed out the danger of it both to foot passengers and those who were driving, as it was liable to frighten the horses. It had been complained of in the papers and otherwise. He had no wish to debar children from enjoying themselves, but that was not the way to do it. Mr Farndale said he had given instructions to the police to report all cases to the Local Board.[32]

Controlling a protest in 1872

Joseph had to deal with a more serious incident in Leicester that year. In August 1872, from the many manifestations of disapproval evidenced in Leicester during the past week by the issuing of a magisterial order requiring that all public houses be closed, in accordance with the provisions of the Licensing Act, by eleven o’clock at night, it was generally anticipated that Saturday night would have witnessed a very serious tumult. Accordingly every precaution was adopted by the local authorities to guard against a disturbance, a considerable number of county police being drafted into the town and held in reserve, while all the available borough force was out on duty. In their efforts to preserve the peace, the magistrates were well aided by the publicans, most of whom, especially the occupiers of vaults, took the precaution of putting up their shutters by half past ten o'clock, and intimating to their customers the desirableness of withdrawing quietly at the appointed hour.

As eleven o’clock drew near a large concourse of persons had assembled at the Old Haymarket, the principal thoroughfare, and shortly afterwards the crowd was considerably augmented, until it numbered several thousands, by those who had been turned out of the vaults &c in the neighbourhood. A large body of police, under the charge of Chief Constable Farndale, however, kept them moving for some time. At length one of the mob, named James Stevens, a shoe fisher, who was the worse for liquor, declined to move on and struck the police. He was at once taken into custody, when an attempt was made to rescue him. A large number of policemen then rushed to the aid of their comrade when some of the mob began to throw stones, which struck some of the police, one of whom was also struck with a ginger beer bottle. For a little time it appeared as though this slight skirmish would lead to serious consequences, but the police obtained complete power over their prisoner, and formed in line with their staves drawn at the end of the street. He was quickly conveyed up a bye street to the police station where he was charged with assaulting two of the officers. This coupled with the appearance of a reinforcement of police seemed to act as a deterrent, and the crowd became less dense and more scattered. A successful effort was then made to clear the streets, the spectators being driven before the police, with staves drawn, up the various thoroughfares, and by half past twelve the riot was suppressed.[33]

Rescue from a fire

In the same month, Chief Constable Farndale was passing down the street a little before nine, and saw several persons standing, looking up at the windows above the shop, from which smoke was issuing. Seeing at once what was the matter he immediately despatched messengers to the Borough Fire Brigade, for Mr Tacey’s son, who lives in Leicester, and for Mr Tacey himself, who resides at Humberstone. The brigade was on the spot a few minutes afterwards, and the hose having been attached to the street main, was soon set to play upon the building. The flames did not make their appearance till the door was forced open when they burst forth with a rather threatening aspect. Some fears were expressed regarding the safety of the adjoining property, but happily beyond that caused by the water in one of the upper rooms of the Swan Hotel, no other damage was done. The efforts of the firemen were principally directed to the front shop, and the flames were quenched in a very short time. A ladder was laced against the window of the first storey, and an entrance effected there, but it appears the fire was wholly confined to the ground floor. The counters and several of the other fittings were completely burned, and the entire stock destroyed. We understand the loss is partially covered by insurance.[34]

Joseph’s posse

In October 1872, a posse of police under the superintendence of Head Constable Farndale, were engaged in the preservation of order at Leicester Races.[35]

The Band

In 1873 Chief Constable Joseph Farndale formed the Leicester Borough Police brass band and over the succeeding years they gave concerts in the town’s public parks[36].

Leicester’s popular police band at the turn of the century, with an open topped tram in the background

Joseph’s new office

By August 1873, Now that the plans have been accepted for the new Municipal Buildings, and everything seems in a fair way for operations being commenced, people in the town, who will have to find the where with all, are beginning to grumble and ask what advantage the erection will be to the general public when finished? True it is that the civic rulers may have a chance of “reclining on velvet lining, with sunlight floating o’er” instead of the hard cane bottomed chairs with which they have now to be content. The local bench will then dispense justice in a place consistent with their dignity; Mr Farndale will have a residence befitting his position; and all his subordinates in any way connected with the conduct of town affairs will be able to discharge their duties with more satisfaction to the public and comfort to themselves. This is all as it should be, and there are very few ratepayers who begrudge it.[37]

Joseph’s a jolly good fellow

At the police annual dinner in February 1874, Inspector Newell said they had many privileges since Mr Farndale had been in their midst, which they did not previously enjoy. In fact before Mr Farndale came, he had only had one Sunday in 22 years, and the last was when he went to the Dublin Exhibition in 1851, but now he had one every month. He had therefore great pleasure in proposing the health of Mr Farndale – the toast was drunk with enthusiasm, the band playing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Tune by the Band: “We’ll run ‘em in” which was received with applause. Mr Farndale in responding, said he begged to tender his heartfelt thanks for the kind manner in which they had drunk his health. He felt that the proposer had said a great deal more of him than he was entitled. He might say however that since he had been there he had endeavoured to do his duty to the best of his ability, both to the public and to the force, and judging from the way they had received the toast, he might fairly conclude that he had, to some extent, succeeded with them.[38]

The first salary rise

In November 1874 the Watch Committee recommended an increase in Joseph Farndale’s salary from £250 to £350 per annum. There was some public muttering but the Watch Committee concluded that Now, in regard to Mr Farndale, they had in him a most valuable officer and it was the unanimous opinion of the profession that Mr Farndale was most deserving of the increase proposed.[39]

Branch Stations

One of Joseph’s missions at Leicester was to establish branch stations across the City. In February 1875, the Inspector makes one suggestion which we trust the Town Council will see its way clear to adopt. The same suggestion had been previously made by Chief Constable Farndale, and is one which it is highly essential should be speedily carried out. We refer to the establishment in various localities of divisional station houses, so that the constables may not be taken off their beats so far as to the central police station on every apprehension.[40] Indeed in June 1875, Chief Constable Farndale is very desirous to have branch stations, but for some unexplained cause the Council hesitates to comply with his wish. When a police officer is severely injured in the discharge of his duty, then we suppose something in this direction will be done, but until then our sluggish Corporation prefers to wait.[41]

Feeding poor quality meat to Joseph’s dog

In an article about poor quality meat on 15 May 1875, the meat was destroyed; part of it was given to Mr Farndale’s dog, and three quarters and the head he saw boiled up for the pigs of Mr Gibbs.[42]

After the assault of a wife at Christmas 1877, on Friday evening, last week, between five and six o’clock, Mr Hetley, house surgeon at the Infirmary, intimated to the police authorities that a considerable change for the worse had taken place in the condition of Mrs White, who had been severely burned through her husband throwing a lamp at her on Saturday night last. Mr Farndale at once sent a cab for Mr W Rowlett JP and another for Mr Blackwell, the magistrate’s clerk, in order that depositions of the woman might be taken, and the husband of the woman was also conveyed to the Infirmary so that he might be present.[43]

In September 1879, a presentation was made to the Head Constable of the Borough Police Force (Mr. J Farndale), by the men under his command. The Head Constable has recently been taking his holiday, and during his absence a subscription was entered into by the members of the force for the purpose of presenting him with a token of their attachment to him as their superior officer. Sergeant Poultney said during the seven or eight years Mr Farndale had been amongst them, he had gained the good feeling of every member of the force by the straightforward and honest manner in which he dealt with the men. If a man did his duty, he found himself rewarded, as was proved by the fact that no less than five or six men who had belonged to the force under the command of Mr Farndale, had been appointed to the office of chief constables in other towns. On the other hand, if a man did not do his duty, he got what was called ‘the straight tip’; or rather, he was cautioned, and received another opportunity of pulling himself together by better conduct. He hoped Mr Farndale would live long to look upon the timepiece, and that he would value it not on account of its intrinsic worth, but on account of the good feeling it manifested towards him (applause).[44]

In March 1882, Joseph Farndale left the Leicester Force to become Chief Constable of Birmingham. James Duns took over as Chief Constable by which time the salary was increased to £300 per annum plus rent, rates, free coal and uniform.

Scene 4 - Chief Constable of Birmingham City Police

Joseph Farndale was appointed to be chief of the Birmingham Police Force on 24 January 1882[45]. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Leicester, has been appointed chief superintendent of the Birmingham Police Force, at a salary of £700 per annum[46].

Seditious utterings in the force – a portent of an Irish bombing campaign

In May 1882, an early issue was that of seditious utterings within the police force. The new Chief Constable of Birmingham, Mr Joseph Farndale, who has taken the place of Major Bond, has just made a sharp example of an indiscreet member of the force who had been heard to express sympathy with the perpetrators of the recent outrages in Ireland. The constable, who is a young Irishman, and had not long joined the force, used disloyal words in the presence of some of his colleagues, and the matter was immediately laid before the Chief Constable. The office was reported, and his explanation not being deemed satisfactory, he was called upon to resign. This is the first case of the kind that has ever happened in the Birmingham police force. The prompt action of the chief of police has met with general approval, though the severity of the measure appears to have taken the indiscreet officer completely by surprise.[47]

The Ledsam Street Dynamite Conspiracy of 1883

Joseph Farndale’s career at Birmingham was dominated by the Irish Bombing campaigns often called the Fenian Dynamite Campaign, 1881 to 1885[48].

One of the most serious offences committed in Birmingham was discovered when Alfred Whitehead was arrested on 5 April 1883, on the charge of manufacturing nitro-glycerine, or dynamite, at 128 Ledsam Street[49].

Whitehead was a member of the Irish-American party of the Land Leaguers or Home Rulers, who planned outrages to make Ireland free from the galling yoke of Saxon tyranny. Well supplied with funds from New York, Whitehead quietly arranged his small manufactory in Birmingham, buying glycerine from one firm and nitric and sulphuric acids from others, certain members of the conspiracy coming from London to take away the stuff when it was completely mixed. The deliveries of the peculiar ingredients attracted the attention of Gilbert Pritchard, whose chemical knowledge led him to guess what they were required for. He informed his friend, Sergeant Price, of his suspicions. Price and his superior officers made nightly visits to Ledsam Street, getting into the premises, and taking samples for examination. They witnessed Whitehead sending off two lots of explosive to London and when they raided there were 200 lbs weight of explosives found on the premises.

The men who carried it to London were quickly caught with the dynamite in their possession, and with Whitehead were brought to trial and each of them sentenced to penal servitude for life. The dynamite outrages were a significant event in Birmingham in the 1880s. Joseph Farndale, the Chief of Police, was granted an addition to his salary of £100 per year. Inspector Black was promoted to the rank of Superintendent, adding £50 a year to his salary, and was presented with £100 from Government. Sergeant Price, became Inspector, with a rise of £41 12s. a year, and received a bonus of £200. Inspector Rees' salary was raised to two guineas a week, with a gift, of £50. Gilbert Pritchard was rewarded with £50.[50]

Illustrations from the Dart and the Illustrated London News[51] and also enhanced by AI in colour

Joseph Farndale was involved in a further incidence of the Dynamite Conspiracies only a year later.

In April 1884, another American Fenian conspiracy has been traced to Birmingham. Some time ago, Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, was informed by the Home Office that an American emissary had arrived in the country, and a strict watch was kept on all suspects. They directed their attention more particularly to the house of a man named Jas Egan, described as a commission agent. The police kept a vigilant watch on this man.[52]

Contemporaneous with the capture of Daly, was the arrest of James Francis Egan, thirty eight, clerk, of Kyott’s Lane House, Grafton road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. During the five or six months the premises were watched the observations of the police were regularly reported to Sir Wm Harcourt, Chief constable Farndale making a midnight journey to the Home Office to communicate important information.

As the result of the capture of Egan and Daly, the police hope to make further arrests. Acting under the provisions of the Explosives Act, the Chief constable (Mr Farndale) caused to be searched the apartments of Patrick Hogan, drill instructor of the Birmingham volunteers, a colour sergeant in the 6th (Royal Warwickshire) regiment. The attention of the police was directed to him by his being frequently in the company of Daly and Egan at public houses.[53]

There was the discovery in the garden of Mr Egan a bottle containing a thick liquid of suspicious appearances. Mr Farndale, Chief of Police reported the matter to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Explosives, Colonel Majendie. There was also a letter found in the bottle from William McDonell of Wednesbury, so Mr Farndale proceeded to Wednesbury to interview McConnell and several other people there.[54]

The new Coffee Houses

On 4 May 1883 the Birmingham Coffee House Company opened a new coffee house in Newton Row. It was an interesting fact in connection with the movement of the Birmingham coffee house Company that the same kind of work had been taken up and carried on with more or less success in many of the large towns in England; and he was glad to learn that the movement was being imitated in New York and Philadelphia. Probably some of the bearers had noticed in a recent police case some remarks by Mr Farndale and one of the magistrates as to the prevalence of gambling in coffee houses.[55]

Royal Visit

In December 1883 there was a Royal visit to Birmingham. The occasion was the visit to Birmingham of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess Christian and the Marquis of Lorne, paid in connection with the Birmingham cattle and poultry show. On arriving at Washwood Heath the Prince and Princess were met by Mr Farndale, the chief superintendent of police.[56]

Joseph doing well so far

In April 1884, the chief constable of that Birmingham was described as a man who has few rivals in his particular walk of life, and he fully deserves the eulogium passed upon him by the Home Secretary last year. Mr Farndale commenced life as an ordinary constable, I believe in Middlesbrough, and he has worked his way upwards to his present position. He occupied the post of chief constable in two or three other towns before going to Birmingham, in each one of which he added to his reputation. The circumstances of his career have given him an amount of experience which is comparatively rare, and he has added to it a very careful study of the criminal law, in the knowledge of which he has not many superiors. Mr Farndale is very much opposed to the practice of selecting retired army officers for the posts of chief constable, and he himself is a strong argument in favour of his theory that such positions ought to be filled by men practically acquainted with the routine of police work.[57]

Children armed to the teeth with bayonets

In March 1886 attention of the local police has just been called to the wholesale distribution of old bayonets among children and others in the town at several of the Board schools in the town the teachers were startled to see their young scholars march in literally “armed to the teeth”. As soon as this became known there was quite a rush to the shops, and the dealers drove a roaring trade among the juvenile population. Mr Farndale, the Chief of Police, mentioned the matter yesterday morning to Mr Kynnersley at the Public Office, but the stipendiary said he thought no steps could be taken in the matter.[58]

Protecting Jo Chamberlain

In September 1886 Joseph Chamberlain was under police protection during his holiday. This morning Mr Chamberlain had a long interview with Mr Farndale, the chief of police in Birmingham, and it is understood that an arrangement was arrived at for a detective to accompany him on his holidays. The right hon gentleman starts in a few days for the Continent, accompanied by Mr Jesse Collings.[59]

A song was written to satirise the event.

So Joseph and Jesse far away will sojourn, The shame of it is, they’ll be sure to return. A detective goes with them, who’ll have a great try To “detect” Jesse’s genius and Joe’s honesty.

Farewell to the Bobby; His task will be hard; That he’ll ne’er overcome it Is quite the card.[60]

It is understood that it was arranged that Inspector Van Helden should accompany the right hon gentleman throughout his tour. Van Helden speaks several European languages.[61]

Joseph Chamberlain (1836 to 1914) was a liberal and later conservative politician and the father of Neville Chamberlain[62]. He made his career in Birmingham as a manufacturer of screws and later as mayor. He resigned from Gladstone’s government in 1886 in opposition to Irish Home Rule. He helped engineer a split in the liberal party and became a Liberal Unionist.

Tram cars exceeding four miles an hour

In February 1887 there was concern about the speed of tram cars. The bye laws provided that the speed should not exceed four miles an hour, but the borough surveyor reported that the cars were occasionally run at the rate of 9 ¼ miles per hour. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, replied that they go 19 ¼ miles an hour in some places outside the borough[63].

Victoria’s Jubilee

In the Jubilee year of Queen Victoria, Joseph Farndale was involved in the Queen’s visit to Birmingham. With reference to the illuminations we understand that Mr Farndale, the chief constable, will probably suggest to the Watch Committee that vehicular traffic in the central streets should be prohibited. Experience of the last similar occasion proved that even a single line of traffic could not be worked without difficulty and confusion, as well as leading to numerous accidents.[64] The Queen’s Visit to Birmingham was illustrated on 26 March 1887 in The Graphic[65].

Joseph Farndale and Jack the Ripper

Joseph Farndale was involved in a hoax relating to the Jack the Ripper murders (“the Whitechapel Murders”) in 1888[66].

Birmingham Police Court in October 1888, before Sir Thomas Martineau, a respectfully dressed man, named Alfred Napier Blanchard (34), who described himself as a canvasser was charged by his own confession with having committed the Whitechapel murders. Detective Ashby explained that on Friday morning the prisoner went into a public house in Newton Row, and openly accused himself of having committed the Whitechapel murders. Witness took him into custody, and when they reached Duke Street police station he denied having made any confession. Was he drunk at the time? Mr Farndale: he was sober when he first broached the subject, but by the time the police were called he was undoubtedly under the influence of drink. Mr Farndale now said he did not attach the least importance to the arrest, but, at the same time the prisoner had placed himself in the position in which he now stood, and he could not complain if the Bench remanded him. Mr Goodman: Do you know anything about him? Mr Farndale: Nothing, except what has been gleaned from papers found in his possession.[67]

The Secret of the handsome Joseph Farndale’s success

It was reported in November 1888 that the secret of Joseph’s success is that he carefully avoids any display of force. Shortly after the disturbances and the sacking of the West end, there was some fear of a similar occurrence in Birmingham. The Chief Constable dealt with the situation in a very admirable manner. He did not attempt to interfere with the demonstration, and carefully refrained from crowding Costa-green with policemen or from irritating the people by any unnecessary display of authority. There was no bludgeoning, no violence, and the consequence was that the crowd, amongst whom were a good many bad characters who would have stuck at nothing in the way of plunder, gradually dispersed.

The Chief Constable himself preserved his good temper throughout, and was cheered by the crowd as he passed. He has the advantage of being a handsome man - a great point with the crowd. He looks remarkably well in his uniform and on horseback, and he is always in evidence whenever there is anything moving.

When the dynamite plot was discovered in Birmingham, the Chief Constable was in his proper place and directed the investigations so well that not a mistake was made. Night and day he remained at his post until the right moment came, and then the police swooped down and captured the gang. The result was that the dynamite conspiracy, which had its head-quarters in Birmingham, was completely crushed out of existence.

Mr. Farndale looks something over 40. He is tall, broad-shouldered, athletic, has good features and looks like a gentleman. He has the bald head that comes of wearing a constable's helmet.[68]

Gladstone’s Visit

In the same month, Mr Gladstone left Hawarden for Birmingham this morning, for the purpose of fulfilling a series of arrangements in connection with the National Liberal Federation. The train steamed into Birmingham station at 1.15 precisely. Outside the station there was an immense concourse of people. Here, however, as well as along the whole route to the Town Hall, strong barricades had been erected, and a large force of police being in attendance, under the command of Mr Farndale, a perfectly clear space was kept for the procession. An enthusiastic cheer was given as Mr Gladstone emerged from the station.[69]

Of Gladstone’s visit, in dealing with so large a number, it is impossible to ensure that all shall be sympathisers, with the object of the gathering, or even respectable men, there will be a strong police force in the hall, commanded by the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) who has frequently shown himself a man of rare tact and energy on such occasions.[70]

Chief Commissioner opportunity, illness and recovery

Joseph Farndale started to be named as a possible candidate for Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. There was a comment in November 1888 that Sir Charles Warren has taken the course of a sensible man, in resigning from a position for which it is evident he was not fitted. The police are a civil body charged with the maintenance of order and the detection of crime and the Whitechapel horrors have shown how incapable Scotland yard is in this respect. They make the fatal error of transferring even their detectives from division to division, so that they have not men with intimate local knowledge as Mr Coathupe has in Bristol, or Mr Farndale has in Birmingham, acquainted with the criminal classes and all the dark places of the city, so that very few hours would elapse before the arrival of a suspicious stranger or a suspicious occurrence in the lowest haunts in the place would become known at police headquarters.[71]

However illness struck in December 1888. Although Mr Farndale has been incapacitated for a considerable time, it has not yet been announced what he has actually been suffering from. A severe cold was at the outset said to be the cause, but when he was recommended to repair to the South of England it was generally accepted that his illness was of much greater severity than his medical attendants chose to announce. During his absence he continued to lose strength, and the development of the obstinate complaint manifested itself in a manner which occasioned considerable apprehension. The fact is that the Chief of Police contracted an attack of diphtheria of such a peculiar character that his medical advisers were baffled in their diagnosis. During the latter part of his stay at Torquay, however, paralysis supervened, and then it dawned upon them that the primary complaint was diphtheria. The paralysis gave rise to much alarm, and Mr Farndale’s return was at once ordered. Since he has been at home he has been attended by Sir W Foster and Drs Wilders and Hunt, and we are pleased to be able to announce that he is now showing some signs of improvement, although some time must yet transpire ere he is able to resume his duties.[72]

A snowball fight

Meantime in February 1889, anyone passing a certain police station within the limits of the city early on Monday morning last, might have witnessed a very lively snowballing encounter, between a dozen or so of Mr Farndale’s most trusted officers. Of course very few people were about at the time, but these opened their eyes in astonishment with which the myrmidons of the law entered into their game. The scene would have delighted some of the ragamuffins who were later in the day rebuked by the self same officers for doing a similar thing.[73]

Welcome back, an illuminated address

Joseph was back at work by April 1889[74]. He was welcomed back to work with speeches and an Illuminated Address. The Chief Constable of Birmingham (Mr Farndale) is shortly to be made the recipient of a testimonial from the Birmingham Magistrates and many influential citizens. The committee which has been formed to carry out the presentation consider that as the prolonged illness of the chief has entailed a very heavy expense, a substantial monetary testimonial would be both an appropriate and graceful act. Already a resolution has been passed expressive of cordial congratulation on his recovery. The presentation committee also aim at showing their high appreciation of Mr Farndale’s many excellent services in connection with the force by the fund which they have initiated. Circulars asking for subscriptions have even forwarded to those who it is thought would like to participate in the testimonial, but the appeal is in no wise a public one – in fact it is being made privately.[75]

The address, which was read by Superintendent Sheppard, was as follows. Address to Joseph Farndale Esq, Chief Constable for the City of Birmingham. We, the undersigned, deputed by a meeting assembled and representing the whole body of the Birmingham Police Force, consisting of 550 members, heartily congratulate you upon your resumption of duties as chief in this large and important city. We rejoice at your restoration to health, as we sympathised with you in your serious and protracted illness; and it is now a source of happiness for us to have the opportunity of thus expressing to you how much we cherish and admire those qualities so characteristic of you, and which have drawn and endeared us to you during your chief constableship here. We feel that when and wherever qualities abound which have distinguished your career in such an eminent degree then will a true appreciating and grateful people respond and unmistakably demonstrate in no uncertain way the inspiration in their hearts. We therefore ask you sir, prompted by these feelings, to accept this illuminated address, not for its intrinsic value, but rather as an outcome of our expression of pleasure and congratulations upon your resumption of duties, and as a small token of our admiration of your worth as chief, man and friend. With a fervent wish that your convalescence be of long duration and that you live long in the buoyancy of health to champion our cause as hitherto in the course and conduct of our duties, and in the path of wisdom, justice and right. Signed, on behalf of the members of the force, Superintendents Wm Wilcox, Rd Sheppard, Wm Shaw, Philip Stephenson, Joseph Hervey, James Black, and David Noon.[76]

The Shah of Persia ain’t worth a tanner

There was a visit by the Shah of Persia in July 1889. His Majesty the Shah of Persia is expected to arrive at New Street Station by special train from Bromsgrove at about 11.30am on the morning of Thursday, the 11th instant. The street traffic will be under the control of the Chef Constable (Mr Farndale). As it is expected that considerable interest will be evinced in the visit of the Shah and in his progress through the streets, the Mayor hopes that the inhabitants will maintain the reputation of the city in assisting in the preservation of order along the line of the procession, and by keeping the route clear and free of obstruction.[77]

The Shah paid his promised visit to Birmingham yesterday, but the event was robbed somewhat of the éclat which would otherwise have attended it through an unfortunate upsetting of the programme which had been arranged. The article refers to the changed plans of the Shah which led to delays whilst sightseers had already turned out and shop keepers found their business suspended or closed. A great many undoubtedly thought the time too valuable to idle away, even to show respect to England’s guest – for the crowds in the street thinned. Those who remained behind either waited patiently at their posts or promenaded along the pavements willing away the time as best they could. The name of the illustrious visitor was in every one’s mouth but what was said about him had better not be published. “What a shame!”. “Our Queen wouldn’t serve us such a trick”, “I suppose he thinks he can do as he likes with us”, were among the very mildest of the grumbling comments … “He ain’t worth a tanner” suggested one irreverent passer by. “”What!”, shrieked the man in the cart, “not worth a tanner, when he’s doing all this to save war with old England! – Bah!” Quite a sigh of relief went up as Mr Farndale and a few mounted policemen rode down to the station. The Mayor followed, the ugly rumours that the Shah was not coming at all were thrown to the winds, and in due course patience was rewarded and curiosity to a certain extent satisfied by the Imperial possession. As soon as the Shah’s carriage had left the station yard, it was surrounded by a squadron of the 9th Lancers, under Major Mackenizie who formed the escort. The procession was headed by Mr Farndale, the chief superintendent of police, and the carriages not covered by the escort were flanked by mounted constables. [78]

A brine bath

In August 1889, amongst the visitors of Droitwich, who are taking the brine baths, are Mr Farndale (chief of the Birmingham Police) and many others of lesser note[79].

1889, another age

There was an account of events during 1889 from 50 years later in 1939. The Right Honourable Henry Cecil Raikes MP, Postmaster General, laid the foundation stone of the new post office. In a cavity beneath the stone was placed a copy of the ‘Mail’. Mr Joseph Chamberlain was present and spoke of the Birmingham of a further 50 years ago, the 1830s, when there were no parks, baths, or wash houses, no museums, very few schools, very little paving, except for the petrified kidney order, no sewerage, no sanitary arrangements and the death rate was five or six and 1000 higher. In the large crowd present pickpockets got a gaol hall, but three of them were chased and arrested after a struggle. The Council Chamber and the Reception Hall of the Council House were being fitted up in the form of temporary law courts for the opening of the Spring Assize. The ailing chief constable of Birmingham, Mr Farndale, had to give up his home on the Hagley Road for Her Majesty's judges, and he had been moved in a bath chair under the care of his physician to a friends house in Calthorpe Road. Board school teachers had been accused of inflicting cruel secret punishments on their charges, and the school Board had announced that it must stop. After inflicting corporal punishment a teacher had to record it in a special book. A headmaster wrote to the Mail: “Imagine the trials and tribulations of a young assistant shut up in a classroom with 60 or 70 children, hour after hour, day off today, week after week. Some of the scholars have been born to lying, thieving and impudence, yet almost every one of them, capacity or no capacity, must be made to pass the government examinations at the end of the year. The restricted assistant yields to temptation, and punishes on the sly.[80]

The 8 hour duty system

In March 1890 the old eight hours duty system was debated. The part played by the police forces of the country in the public affairs is so important that any question bearing upon the administration of their official duties becomes a matter in which all law abiding citizens should not only take an interest, but if necessary, their opinion should be earnestly consulted. We have now before us the fact that a section of our police force is agitating for a return to the old system of duty viz, that of performing the entire eight hours duty straight off the reel, thus leaving the remaining sixteen hours at their disposal. The discussion at the Council meeting clearly showed that this satisfactory feature of administration is the result of the system instituted by Mr Farndale.[81]

The debate in the City Council on the management of the police force has not, as it may be supposed to have done, settled the question. The long duty system was in force during the greater part of Major Bond’s term of headship; the short duty system was introduced by Mr Farndale seven years ago. Its introduction was marked by the concession of a day’s leave per month, and thus was in the nature of a compensation. The chief motive of the agitation is to obtain a longer spell off duty. The sole question which has to be considered by the management of the force is as to the effect upon discipline, physique and general efficiency; and as soon as this question is raised the case against the long duty system appears to be very strong. The Watch Committee and the Chief Constable seem, at all events, to be agreed upon this point. It was this consideration which induced Mr Farndale eight years ago to recommend the abandonment of the system. He was struck by an absence of smartness in the appearance of the men, especially of those who were doing an early spell of duty from 6am to 2pm. It occurred to him that, supporting the men were sensible enough in every case to make a temperate use of their sixteen hours freedom, it was hardly probable that they would get a warm meal before starting out so early in the morning, or find very much time for brushing up their uniforms.[82]

Joseph Farndale’s doubts about the Dynamitard arrests

The issue of the Dynamitards, then recurred and questions arose about the legitimacy of the arrests of Daly and others in the 1884 arrests, as distinct from the very successful arrest of Whitehead in 1883. Joseph Farndale appeared to have had his doubts about the legitimacy of those 1884 arrests and was concerned about methods adopted by the Irish Police, although there was controversy about exactly what Joseph Farndale said to Alderman Manton. He was clearly a man of conscience who worried about the legitimacy of the arrests when facts came to his attention later.

In September 1890, Mr W T Bryan, secretary of the demonstration which took place in Tipperary on Sunday to protest against the treatment to which Mr John Daly and his fellow prisoners have been subjected in Chatham gaol, received a letter from Mr William O’Brien MP. I have for some time been in communication with an English gentleman of much eminence in Birmingham, who has discovered startling proofs that John Daly is the victim of a plot organised by emissaries of the Irish Constabulary. His authority for this terrible charge is no less a personage than the chief constable of one of the principal English cities, whose confession has been before the Home Secretary. It will be our duty to press for the fullest investigation of this horrible business, and to insist that pending such investigation there shall be no continuance of the barbaric system of prison torment revealed in the evidence before the late unfairly constituted commission.[83]

It appears that Mr Farndale told the Birmingham Watch Committee, and subsequently Alderman Manton, that he entertained the gravest objections to the methods which the Irish police had employed in obtaining the conviction, and that had he known from the outset of the extent to which the agent provocateur had been employed he would have declined all connection with the Case. These opinions Mr Farndale still holds, but he has never stated, as alleged by Mr John O’Connor that “the whole thing was a put up job”, or has he expressed any doubt as to the justice of Daly’s conviction. The whole question indeed, turns on the propriety of the employment of spies for the purpose for which the agent was used.[84]

The contemporaneous evidence of the media was that Joseph Farndale acted entirely properly in 1884, but when he later learned of facts that gave him rise to have concerns, he immediately consulted others about what should be done to resolve the matter. This was clearly not a deathbed confession, for the matter was debated in Parliament at the time, well before Joseph Farndale’s death and this must have arisen because Joseph Farndale had tried to do something about facts of which he had subsequently become aware.

In January 1893, James Francis Egan was, by order of the Home Secretary on Saturday afternoon released from Portland Prison, where he had been a convict for several years past. James Frances Egan arrived in Birmingham at 1.43 this (Sunday) afternoon). In London, on Saturday evening, he visited the National Liberal Club. He was very reticent towards the representatives of the press, but expressed his indebtedness to the Irish political party for their efforts towards his release, and especially he is grateful to Ald Manton and Mr Farndale for the part he understood they had taken.[85] He later said I never despaired, because I knew perfectly well that what I had heard of the disclosures by Alderman Manton, and the action taken by Mr Farndale in honestly exposing the affair, would bring the public to see that a gross injustice had been done to me.[86]

In February 1893, there was a debate in the House of Commons. Mr John Redmond, resuming the debate on the Address, moved his amendment humbly representing to Her Majesty that the time had come when the cases of all prisoners under the Treason Felons Act who are and have been many years undergoing punishment for offences arising out of insurrectory movements connected with Ireland may be advantageously reconsidered. He especially instanced the case of Day, as to whom, he recalled the statement of Mr Farndale, of the Birmingham police, who had informed the local Watch Committee that it was in his knowledge that the explosives found in Daly’s possession were ‘planted’ upon him. Mr Clancy seconded the motion. He joined in the expression of the belief that Daly was an innocent man. Did the Chief Secretary or the Home Secretary believe that if Mr Farndale had given the evidence at the trial in Warwick which he and given since, Daly would have been convicted?

In what was described as an Important Speech by the Home Secretary, Mr Asquith, in replying on behalf of the Government, assured the mover that he entertained no fear that the action which had been taken would embarrass the Government. The Government welcomed the opportunity to speak plainly on the subject (Ministerial cheers). A number of documents were found at Daly’s lodgings, showing he was undoubtedly a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and had taken an active part in its proceedings. Daly was released after eight and a half years penal servitude because he had had sufficient punishment.

Mr Powell Williams said that Mr Farndale had told him he did not believe the bombs were placed upon Daly by an agent provocateur. The statement of the Home Secretary would be welcomed by the whole country.

Mr Asquith: Now I will deal in a sentence or two with Mr Farndale. I have no jurisdiction of any sort or kind over him. He is a servant of the Birmingham Corporation. Mr Farndale has been questioned as to the statement Alderman Manton attributed to him, and he has declared it to be purely imagination. If so, what becomes of the suggested testimony of Mr Farndale that Daly was a victim of the police. The truth is Mr Farndale, who was the head of the police, was considerably annoyed that the arrest of Daly, in whose innocence at the time he did not believe, should have been procured not by the Birmingham, but by the Irish police.

Mr Powell Williams said the contradiction was made to the Watch Committee, of whom at Mr Farndale was the servant, and he at the time and as early as he could, repudiated that statement of Alderman Manton to the effect that he, Mr Farndale, considered that Daly was an innocent person. What the Honourable Member said was that the Chief Constable of Birmingham had admitted, first of all, that those bombs were placed upon daily by an agent provocateur, and secondly, that he knew him to be an innocent man. To all those statements he could give on Mr Farndale's behalf an emphatic contradiction.

Mr Harrington:: Does the Honourable Member pledge himself that he has the authority of Mr Farndale to say that he did not make the statement that these bombs were planted on daily by a member of the Irish police?

Mr Powell Williams said he was not authorised in any way to state (laughter). How could he be authorised within 10 minutes to make a statement for Mr Farndale. But he would tell the honourable member and he would tell the house what Mr Farndale had stated to him. He said to him that those bombs were not in his opinion placed upon daily by an agent provocateur.

Mr W Redmond asked the Home Secretary if he would order a fresh investigation into the allegations made against the police by Alderman Manton, and question Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham upon the subject.

Mr Asquith said so far as the matter was a personal one affecting Alderman Manton and Chief Constable Farndale, he had no right to interfere, so far as it affected the innocence or otherwise of Daly, the allegations had already been fully investigated, with the result which he stated to the House the other night (hear, hear).

Mr W Redmond asked the right hon gentleman whether, in view of the opinions held by 80 Irish members out of 103, he would have a personal interview with Mr Farndale, and grant a fresh investigation into the case.

Mr Asquith did not think any useful purpose would be served by his having a personal interview with Mr Farndale. He was in possession of all the facts of the case.

Mr J Redmond gave notice that in Committee of Supply he would press for further investigation.[87]

In March 1894 Mr Redmond asked Having referred to the fact that Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, was still of the opinion that the explosives found on the prisoner Daly had been ‘planted’ upon him by an agent in the pay of the Irish police, the hon and learned member said he had an entirely new case to bring under the notice of the Home Secretary. It was that of a man called Curtin Kent, a labourer and an illiterate man, who could not by any possibility have been a principal in the dynamite conspiracy. He was put on trial with the other me and, although the only evidence against him was that he had written to Gallagher and got £5 from him, he was convicted and sentenced to penal servitude for life.

Mr Asquith reminded the House that the general considerations which affected this question were fully debated a year ago, when he expressed at considerable length and in much detail the views of her Majesty’s Government.[88]

Salary reaches £900

In April 1892, Mr Wilders submitted the report of the Watch Committee, and in accordance with its recommendation moved that the salary of Mr Farndale should increase from £800 to £900 per annum. He said the proposal had received the most careful consideration of the committee, who had come to the conclusion that it was simply an act of justice to a most energetic, efficient and experienced officer. Mr Farndale had been a policeman thirty years; he was forty none years of age, and one of the most energetic, experienced and efficient chief constables in the kingdom. He was a thorough disciplinarian, always kind and considerate to his men; and he possessed sound judgment and tact in a remarkable degree. Mr Farndale could if he chose leave the force tomorrow, and claim a pension of £532 per annum from the Police Superannuation Fund. Mr Stevens proposed as an amendment “That the increase of Mr Farndale’s salary be deferred until after November next in order that the ratepayers may have an opportunity of expressing their opinion on this. There was further debate. The amendment only received 5 votes and the original motion was carried.[89]

A railway accident

In June 1892, a terrible railway accident happened shortly before five o’clock on Friday in Birmingham, two expresses making for the Derby junction at the end of the Lawley Street viaduct colliding at the points. The body was quickly removed to the Duke Street mortuary, when the full extent of the catastrophe was learned, the railway officials along with the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), did everything they could to aid the injured passengers, who were sent to the General and Queen’s Hospital in cabs and other available vehicles.[90]

The military man’s whisky and cigar

In the same month, Edwin Glover (40), a military looking man, of no occupation, was charged with obtaining two glasses of whisky and a cigar from George Hawthorne of the Malt Shovel Inn, and with consuming the same without having the means to pay for it. He later stated that he was Captain Glover and was well known to Mr Farndale.[91]

Death of Jane

Jane Farndale died suddenly in Stockton on 18 July 1893[92]. On the 18th inst, at the house of her cousin, Mrs Hodgson, at Stockton on Tees, Jane, wife of Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, formerly chief constable of Chesterfield.[93]

A new office

By February 1894, Central Police Offices in Corporation Street adjoining the Victoria Courts, are rapidly approaching completion, and in a few days the removal of the scaffolding will give an uninterrupted view of the building. The police offices are entered into by the first door in Newton Street, opening into an entrance hall, which is to be fitted with benches for the convenience of that portion of the general public who may have business at the offices. From the hall, doors open to the rooms to be occupied by Mr Farndale and by Superintendent Wilcox and the clerks and a lobby adjoining the hall leads to the general store room and other apartments. An elaborately constructed staircase from the hall gives access to the first floor, where accommodation is found for the detective department.[94]

Recovery of as valuable diamond

In April 1894 by a curious combination of chances a valuable diamond which was lost more than 20 years ago at Birmingham has been discovered, and is now in the possession of Mr Farndale, the chief constable. Some days ago one of the workmen in the employ of Messrs Taunton, safe manufacturers, was engaged in repairing a safe, and came across a piece of paper in which was a large diamond, estimated to be worth at least £100.[95]

Royal Visit

There was another Royal visit to Birmingham on 8 September 1894. All the arrangements for the visit to Birmingham of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York on September 8 are now completed. Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at the city boundaries on the Castle Bromwich Road at noon, and will be met by an escort of the 17th lancers, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), and mounted police.[96]

Forming an orderly queue

Joseph Farndale was responsible perhaps for the British habit of forming an orderly queue. An article in April 1942 recalled that the new Order making it compulsory for six or more persons to form a queue when boarding bus or tram recalls the origin of a similar disciplinary measure in Birmingham nearly fifty years ago. In the autumn of 1894 Henry Irving came to the Prince of Wales theatre. Prices for all parts of the house, with the exception of the gallery’ were doubled. All Birmingham, so to speak, made for the gallery door, and there was a terrible commotion! When this had happened on two successive nights, Irving instructed his manager, Brian Stoker, to see the chief constable about it. “Tell the Chief Constable,” he said “that outside my theatre in London we have adopted the system of a queue, two by two, and that it works very well”. Mr Stoker carried this message to the chief constable, and Mr Farndale agreed to make an experiment. He sent along members of the force, Mr Edwin Bennett, later Chief Superintendent, among them, and they arranged the first queues. But not without difficulty. Some roughs attempted to rush the entrance hall and according to Mr Bennett, five watches were found in the gutter. Birmingham gradually got accustomed to the queue habit, but not before Sir Charles Rafter brought a prosecution for disorderly conduct against some who attempted to break through. Much of the voluntary queuing outside Birmingham shops today may be traceable to the initial steps of half a century ago.[97]

The brave constable who reported the Chief Constable

In May 1895 a brave young constable reported his own Chief Constable. A good story reaches us from the Birmingham police force, viz, that a common constable, a humble member of the rank and file, has had the temerity to lodge a report against no less a personage than his commanding officer. The constable is a young officer who is not been very long in the force, and it would seem that he is burning to distinguish himself in some unprecedented way. There can be no doubt he has succeeded, and it may be safely asserted that the number of men in the force who would have had the courage to take such a step is very small indeed. The officer was on duty in Harborne Road, when he saw his commander in chief, who much effects equestrian exercise, approaching on his steed. It would seem that the animal proved refractory in some way, for it became subject to a sharp chastisement from its rider. The constable appears to have considered that the chastisement exceeded do bounds, so he pulled out his little notebook and pencil, and made an entry to the effect that his superior had beating his horse about the head more than was justifiable, and looking upon his chief as no more privileged and hit this respect than common John Smith the civilian, he reported the matter in writing to the Superintendent. This put the divisional officer in a quandary. What was he to do with the report against his chief officer? To pass such a thing on to the central office seemed like sacrilege. Yet it was made in the books, and he could not get rid of it otherwise without committing a serious breach of the regulations. So he came to the conclusion that he had no alternative but to send the report, with his other reports, to the headquarters. There it has gone and it would be interesting to know what happened there when the report was given. A live, smoking bombshell would probably have created no more profound sensation. Presumably the report will come before the judicial subcommittee at their meeting on Monday, and it will be very interesting to know the issue of it. We can imagine Mr Farndale, who is about the last man against whom one might expect such charge to be made, reading the report with blended feelings of admiring surprise, comical annoyance, and roll amusement. He must admire the Spartan sense of duty of his young officer, must feel annoyed that he should have fallen into such an error, and experience amusement at the humour of the whole business.

Afghan royalty

In June 1895 there was a visit by His Highness the Shahzada, the second son of the Ameer of Afghanistan. In the central drive between Railway Stations, there was an escort of 25 mounted police, under the command of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale).[98]

Horseless carriages, the first cars and transport legislation

In February 1896, there were early encounters with horseless carriages. At Solihull today Gascoine & Co, horseless carriage builders was summoned as the owner of a locomotive used on the public highway for not having a person on foot preceding the locomotive by 20 yards as prescribed by section 3 of the Locomotives Act 1865, and section 29 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment)  Act 1879[99]. Police Constable Clifton stated that on Saturday morning, the 22nd December, he was on duty in Stratford Road, Shirley, and saw a motor car, or horseless carriage, travelling in the direction of Birmingham. There was no one in front of it to warn the public of its approach. The vehicle was travelling at the rate of five or six miles an hour; and it made a certain amount of noise, and steam was issuing from an exhaust pipe at the rear. As it was only within the last five years that the vehicle had been used in England, the Legislature could not in fact, or in imagination, have known of a horseless carriage when they formulated the Acts referred to, and therefore the regulations could not apply.[100]

Mr McCardie replied Yes, and if you wanted to take a little trip of 30 or 40 miles, taking in the three neighbouring counties, it would cost you £30, besides the wages of the three men to drive, where only one is wanted, and another useless person to go in front.

The Clerk mused that going as fast as it does too, the man in front would have to go on a bicycle (Laughter).

Mr McCardie replied Oh yes, it is manifestly absurd. Fancy all the expense I have mentioned when the machine only costs a half penny per mile for propulsion. Besides, I notice that the tires would have to be no narrower than three inches, and that would spoil the vehicle altogether, I contend that it in no way answers the definition of a locomotive, and that the Bench are entitled to dismiss the summons. I may add that Mr Farndale, the chief of the Birmingham police, has stated that he would not allow any proceedings to be taken against such carriages. [101]

In the early 1890s the first cars to be driven on the roads in Britain were imported. In 1895, the first man to own and drive a car in Britain was Ebvelyn Ellis. It is estimated that by 1895, there were still only about 15 cars in Britain, imported from abroad. By 1900, the number had risen to about 700. Work to build the first motor car in Britain began in 1892 by Frederick Bremner, a gas fitter and plumber. His vehicle first ran on the public highway in 1894. Fords started to arrive in Britain from about 1908.

The Locomotives Act 1865[102] was also known as the Red Flag Act and stipulated that self-propelled vehicles should be accompanied by a crew of three; if the vehicle was attached to two or more vehicles an additional person was to accompany the vehicles; a man with a red flag was to walk at least 60 yd (55 m) ahead of each vehicle, who was also required to assist with the passage of horses and carriages. The vehicle was required to stop at the signal of the flagbearer. The Highways and Locomotives (Amendment)  Act 1878 was an Act to amend the Law relating to Highways in England and the Acts relating to Locomotives on Roads and for other purposes.

At the same time his nephew, Joseph Farndale, then Chief Constable of Margate Police, was involved in a charge against a motor car driver for exceeding a speed of two miles per hour.

Registration of bicycles and the scorchers

Joseph Farndale recommended a system for registration of bicycles in April 1896. The Home Secretary has just issued a circular to the Chief Constables of counties and boroughs on a matter which will give rise to a great deal of discussion in the cycling world. Sir M White Ridley explains that he has received various complaints with regard to cycling in the streets, and that from the nature of the objections laid before him, he has felt prompted to make a general enquiry as to the present cycling system, and ascertain whether further legislation is essential to check reckless riders being a danger to the community. The Chief said police are therefore invited to express an opinion on the desirability of amending the present law, and they are further requested to add any suggestions they may think expedient.

Mr Farndale has had this circular under careful consideration, and it is understood that he has replied very fully as to the prevailing state of affairs in this district. Probably in no other city in the Kingdom has the popularity of the cycle reestablished itself with such rapidity and so generally as in Birmingham. Unfortunately this circumstance has had the effect of producing an increased number of foolhardy scorchers, who are a nuisance to everyone, and reckless riders who, unmindful of their own risk, pay no heed to the safety of others. The inevitable result of the presence of these riders has been a considerable number of accidents under great many complaints.[103]

At the meeting of the Birmingham watch committee in September 1897, Councillor Baker drew attention to what he described as the practice of scorching on the Moseley Road, his object being to ascertain whether the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) was prepared to adopt measures to check the indiscretion of offending cyclists. The wood pavement, he said, was an irresistible incentive to most people, and the practise complained of was becoming a source of serious danger to the public.

Mr Bishop asked perhaps Councillor Baker does not know what ‘scorching’ is. They don't ‘scorch’ on the Mosley Rd. Mr. Baker replied Oh don't they?. Bishop retorted Well what do you call ‘scorching’?  Baker said I would call ‘scorching’ going at 12 miles an hour. Mr Bishop said They don't go at 12 miles an hour. Mr. Baker responded What! Not on that wood payment pavement I think they do.

Mr Farndale said the matter was one of some difficulty for the police to deal with, in as much as it has recently been held in the law courts that though a police officer could summon a scorcher he might not lay his hands on him to stop him. Two or three years ago when there were complaints of ‘scorching’ in Broad Street, policemen were provided with bicycles to capture the offenders, and they simply had to ‘scorch’ after the ‘scorchers’ until they overtook them.

Mr Bishop had no doubt the chief constable would give the matter every attention. Mr Farndale was a nice, quiet rider himself, as he could bear witness.

Mr Farndale replied I followed the example of the chairman of the judicial committee, Mr Bishop, who goes at a reasonable pace.

The subject then dropped.[104]

The Diamond Jubilee

1897 was the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating sixty years since her accession. A meeting of chief constables of counties, cities and boroughs in Great Britain was held in May 1897 at the office of Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, to consider the most suitable form of celebrating the Queen’s reign. It was reported that the Scottish police had decided to join the national scheme. It was decided to draw up an illuminated address congratulating Her Majesty on her historic accomplishment.[105]

There was a Royal visit to Birmingham in July 1897, when the General Hospital was opened. Much enthusiasm was manifested in Birmingham yesterday on the occasion of the visit of Princess Christian, as the representative of the Queen, to open the new General Hospital. Along the route of the royal procession the streets were gaily decorated, with Venetian masts at intervals, and garlands of flowers. After the formal receptions the trumpet sounded, and their royal highnesses proceeded, the procession was headed by Chief Constable Farndale and mounted police. As the royal visitors entered the Council House, a salute was given by a detachment of the Bedfordshire regiment, which formed a guard of honour. Her Royal Highness, in reply, said “It gives me very great pleasure to visit the City of Birmingham on behalf of the Queen, my dear mother, and in her name I thank you for your loyal and beautiful address. Her Majesty desires me to express the great gratitude with which she bears of her people at Birmingham having made this latest addition to the hospital.[106]

In January 1898, interviewed in reference to the marked increase of drunkenness in Birmingham, the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said that good wages had most to do with the increase. He had been struck by the fact that rainy Saturdays, which prevented indulgence in outdoor sports, usually meant a great increase in drunkenness. The popularity of football, generally speaking, has been the means of diverting a good deal of interest from the taproom.[107]

Illness and the end of a career

By March 1898, Joseph Farndale was ill again. We regret to hear that Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of the city, is lying seriously ill at the Grand Hotel. An attack of chill or influenza contracted at the Charity Sports, on Wednesday week, was followed by pneumonia, and at one time his condition was considered critical. Under the care of Dr Hutchinson, the crisis was tided over, and, although very ill, Mr Farndale was yesterday reported to be out of danger. Late last night Mr Farndale was progressing very favourably.[108]

By 18 March 1899 the health of Mr Joseph Farndale, the popular and brilliant Chief Constable of Birmingham, is causing the greatest anxiety. I earnestly hope to be able to report better new next week. Mr Farndale has many friends in Derbyshire, which he made when Chief Constable of Chesterfield.[109]

Mr Farndale, chief constable of Birmingham, is lying seriously ill, through the breaking of a blood vessel, consequent upon violent sneezing.[110]

Then on 14 April 1899, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, Mr Farndale, had a narrow escape from serious injury yesterday morning. He was being driven in a closed brougham to the city to discuss police matters with the superintendents for the first time since his serious illness, when the horse, a high spirited animal, bolted in Broad Street, owing to the snapping of one of the reins. A futile effort to stop its progress was made by police constable Goldby, who caught at the shafts, but was struck on the chest by the horse’s head, and thrown back. At the corner of Easy Row the carriage was brought into collision with a cart, and Mr Farndale’s coachman, Thomas Terry, was thrown violently from the box. Even this check, however, did not stop the horse, which dashed round the corner into Paradise Street, where a few yards to the right it collided with an oil float, and was brought to a standstill at the edge of the pavement. Mr Farndale escaped with nothing more serious than shock and injury to the nose by broken glass. Terry, the coachman, had his leg fractured.[111]

Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, is to be commiserated with on the curiously bad luck which is dogging him. He recovers from a serious illness, only to be involved in a carriage accident, which might have had dangerous results. Like Bret Harte’s miner, the Chief Constable has struck a streak of bad luck. Let us hope it will soon change.[112]

Finally Joseph Farndale was forced to resign due to his continuing illness in May 1899. Mr Joseph Farndale has resigned the Chief Constableship of Birmingham in consequence of ill health. He has occupied the post for 17 years.[113]

His career summarised

When he resigned a summary of his career was published.

Mr Joseph Farndale was appointed chief constable of Birmingham on the resignation of Major Bond in 1882. Prior to his selection out of some 90 candidates, Mr Farndale had occupied the position of chief constable at Leicester, where he had served for 10 years He is a native of the North Riding, Yorkshire. It was about 1863 when he first became connected with police work. He joined the force in his native Riding at the early age of 19. He remained there, however but a short time, joining the Middlesbrough force, where he soon attained the rank of Inspector. Some seven years afterwards, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield. Here he remained for 2 ½  years when he was selected to a similar position at Leicester, where, as previously stated, he remained until his appointment to Birmingham. In this city Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsam Street in April, 1883, and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan in the same month of the following year, are matters of local history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of these men the Watch Committee, with the approval of the then Home Secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary by the sum of £100 per annum.[114]

His resignation will be received with regret not only by the members of the Watch Committee and the citizens, but the whole of the police force with whom he was very popular.

Mr Farndale's salary is £900 a year, and he is entitled from length of service to a superannuation of 2/3 of this amount. This morning's paper.

Mr Farndale is a Yorkshireman, and commenced his police career in the ranks at Middlesbrough. We like to hear of men rising from the ranks.

The other day we were stimulated with the story of Hector MacDonald, one of the heroes of Omdurman, who, from the ranks, had risen by sheer merit and sterling worth to the highest rung in the military ladder.

This morning the name of another man is honourably prominent, because he is ending his career in a distinguished position. He also has risen from the ranks.

The retiring chief constable of Birmingham has had a career which is worth studying in these degenerate days. It is full of instructive points. Mr Farndale is a man of strong individuality. Yet he invariably got on well with his Watch Committees. He was their servant as well as their master. He was competent, and therefore would not be dictated to. He was respected, because he had the courage of consistency. He would perhaps not have been happy in Hull.

The story of his early life is quite picturesque. Mr Farndale was a farmhand. He was driving the plough one weary day when his employer came up, and farmer like, complained of his work. Young Farndale had a vigorous and independent spirit and was pining for a more active and satisfying field of labour, and throwing down what he had in his hand he said he would go off and be a policeman. What an accident of fortune!

He made good his words at once, and entered upon a career which he has unquestionably adorned. The path of the chief constable of a large city is often beset with difficulty and perplexity! It is also one of grave and constant responsibility. An efficient, fearless, and fair minded chief constable is a boon that a large town like Birmingham cannot afford to rate cheaply. But Watch Committees have often a great deal to answer for, and strong chief constables are not popular everywhere.

At the early age of 26, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield, and from that comparatively unimportant town he went to Leicester. He was not then 29 years of age. He remained at Leicester for 10 years, and then obtained one of the plums of the profession. He was appointed chief constable of Birmingham when still in his thirties. It is admitted that he has greatly improved the police administration there, and that he has shown market ability in dealing with large crowds of people. His discovery of the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy at Birmingham one him much favour at the Home Office; And even Sir William Harcourt did not withhold very graceful appreciation.

Chief constables of large towns who have risen from the ranks are rare. It is one thing to be chief constable of an obscure borough and quite another to be responsible for the security and public morality of a city of the size and character of Birmingham. Nor is the man who has risen from the ranks always a success in high office. The retiring chief constable of Birmingham, however, was not demoralised, he was strengthened by success. If success could always be born with good sense and fortitude it would often be a spectacle more gratifying to contemplate.[115]

Mr Joseph Farndale, for 17 years chief constable of Birmingham, in which office he followed Major Bond, formerly chief constable of Cardiff, has resigned his position owing to prolonged and serious ill health, which has necessitated frequent vacations in the last few years. Mr Farndale is a Yorkshire man, and commenced his police career in the ranks at 26. He was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield over a force of 17, and after three years became chief of police at Leicester, whence he went to Birmingham. His retirement allowance will be £600 per year.

Mr Farndale was appointed in 1882 at a salary of £700 per annum. At that time the total strength of the police force was 520, as against 700 at present time. The area of the borough was 8,420 acres, as against the existing area of 12,705 acres. The population was 400,774, the estimated population at present time being 514,955. The committee proposed to advertise for candidates for the office of chief constable, at a salary of £800 per annum, without allowances of any kind, and to appoint the candidate whom they deem most eligible for the office.[116]

At a meeting of the Birmingham judicial subcommittee, on Monday, the chairman of the Watch Committee, communicated to his colleagues the fact that he had received a communication from Mr Joseph Farndale resigning his position as chief constable of Birmingham. Mr Farndale's resignation is due to the counsel of his medical advisor, who, in view of the nature of his recent illness and his incomplete recovery, regarded the step as imperative. The announcement was received with unanimous regret. Mr Farndale was eligible to retire on a pension several years ago, but it was his own desire to remain in harness sometime longer, and the Watch Committee cordially approved of this course.

Mr Farndale has always been popular with the citizens of Birmingham, and enjoys the distinction of having been the most efficient officer of that the local police force has had since it came into existence. His relations alike with the City Council, the police, and the public have from the commencement of his association with Birmingham been of the most cordial character. Mr Farndale who is a native of Yorkshire has been connected with police duties from his boyhood. At the age of 19 he became a constable in the North Riding Constabulary, from whence he removed to Middlesbrough. His fine presence, combined with a high degree of intelligence, led to his rapid promotion, and it was not long before he attained the rank of Inspector.

He had only seven years police experience when the vacancy occurred in the police in the post of chief constable of Chesterfield, and to this Mr Farndale was appointed. The Chesterfield force was only a small one, the borough having a very limited area, but it afforded Mr Farndale administrative experience which was of great value to him. He was, we believe, at the time of his appointment, the youngest chief constable in the Kingdom. Mr Farndale remained at Chesterfield for only 2 ½ years, but he had he had secured a standing which led to his appointment to the far more important position of chief constable of Leicester. How he composed himself there is shown by the terms of the testimonial given to him by the Mayor of Leicestershire at the time he became a candidate for command of the Birmingham police force. The Mayor of Leicester wrote: “Mr Farndale is a thoroughly practical man, and an excellent disciplinarian. Towards the men he is considerate and firm, and has won their entire confidence and respect. Throughout the town, by the authorities he is fully trusted and highly esteemed.” While at Leicester Mr Farndale's salary was twice increased each time by the sum of £100. Several of the leading officers who served under him there rose to important positions in other forces, and the Leicester police became known as one of the best organised bodies in the provinces.

Mr Farndale succeeded the late Major Bond as Chief Constable of Birmingham, and his services in connection with the dynamite conspiracy will be remembered. He has won the esteem of the citizens of the Midland metropolis, and will retire on an allowance of £600 a year. On his leaving Leicester, it may be added, he was presented with a silver salver and purse of £200, the members of the police force testifying to their goodwill in an illuminated address.[117]

Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsham street in 1883 and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan is in the same month of the following year are matters of history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of these men, the Watch Committee, with the approval of the then Home Secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary by £100 per annum. Sir William Harcourt, in writing to express his approval of the action of the committee, said, “I desire to testify the very high opinion I have formed at Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, throughout the whole of this matter and in other transactions of a similar nature, in which I have received from him valuable assistance” Not only the public of Birmingham, but those of Leicester and Chesterfield, who know Mr Farndale’s worth, and have had the pleasure of his friendship, will wish that in his retirement he may be restored to health.[118]

The resignation of the Chief Constable of Birmingham (Mr Joseph Farndale) through ill health will cause a vacancy in a post to which a salary of £900 a year is attached. Like the Chief Constable of Exeter, and many of the best men at the head of the police force, he rose from the ranks. He was Chief Constable of Chesterfield at the age of 26. Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street Dynamite Conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsam Street in 1883 and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan in the same month are matters of history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of those men the Watch Committee, with the approval of the home secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary to £100 per annum. Sir William Harcourt, in writing to express his approval of the action of the Committee said, “I desire to testify the very high opinion I have formed of Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, throughout the whole of this matter and in other transactions of a similar nature, in which I have received from him valuable assistance.”[119]

Scene 5 – Joseph’s final years after retiring

On Joseph Farndale’s resignation as Chief Constable of Birmingham through ill health, his nephew, the younger Joseph Farndale was shortlisted amongst eight to succeed his uncle, but in the event Sir Charles Haughton Rafter was appointed.

Joseph Farndale’s health continued to be a concern. It is reported that the health of Mr Farndale, ex Chief Constable of Birmingham, is still in a state which causes anxiety. He is at present staying near Blackpool.[120] The health of ex Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, who is staying at the hydro, near Blackpool, has not improved on the unsatisfactory state we reported some time back. It is still such as to give his friends cause for anxiety.[121] The late Chief Constable, Mr Farndale has returned to Birmingham from Blackpool. He contemplates taking up his residence in the city, I understand, and is at present residing in Calthorpe Road. His health is now much better than it has been lately. The presentation which the police purpose making him will assume the form of a dog cart, an easy chair, and an illuminated address in book form. The presentation will, in all probability, be made next week.[122]

Joseph Farndale died, aged 59, at the Hollies, Sutton Coldfield, on 8 August 1901, having served for 17 years as Chief Constable of Birmingham, and previously as Chief Constable of Chesterfield and Leicester.

Passing the grapes to the wrong man

A reminiscence of Joseph Farndale, the unintended recipient of some grapes wrote in 1907, reading the article in the Mail the other evening on Police Court officers of the past in Birmingham, I was reminded of an amusing little incident of which I was a witness some years ago at the Victoria Law courts. At the time it occurred I was sitting by the side of the late Mr. Hammond, as genial and genuine an old soul as ever pleaded before the magistrates. Mr. Hammond had retired from active practise in those days, yet he remained one of the most familiar figures at the courts, where he seemed to have a smile and a nod of recognition for everybody. It was one of his little eccentricities to carry in his trouser pocket a supply of grapes, to which his hand stole every now and again as lunch drew near. Among the messenger boys who flitted in and out of the press seats, these grapes were a well known quantity, by reason of the fact that Mr Hammond often gave the lads a few, the fruit generally passing from one to the other undercover of the table provided in front of the dock, or the convenience of the solicitors addressing the bench. On the day in question Mr Hammond had motioned a messenger boy on his side, but the lad had no sooner taken his seat than the chief constable of that day, the late Mr Farndale, appeared at the table. The boy instantly rose to make way for the chief, and down sat Mr Farndale, without his presence being apparent to Mr Hammond, who at the moment was deeply engrossed in certain evidence that was being tendered from the witness box. He still had his eyes fixed intently on the witness when, dipping a hand abstractedly into his pocket, he pulled out a few grapes and pushed them quietly into Mr Farndale's hand. I leave readers who remember the somewhat pompous dignity of the late chief to imagine the astonishment, not unmixed with a semblance of annoyance, with which he regarded the proffered fruit; but even Mr Farndale’s surprise was mild compared with that of the worthy lawyer when he realised the embarrassing nature of the situation. Mr. Hammond had a rare fund of reminiscence, and I have heard him tell some remarkable stories of the historic days of the gun making boom in Birmingham in the early 70s.[123]

Superman

Before long he was recalled as a ‘superman’. A retrospect on the municipal aspect in 1921 was sent to the editor of the Leicester Mail. Sir, I settled in Leicester in the 1877. The present Sir James Bell of London, was certainly the Superman, with Mr Hiley a remarkably good second. I remember on one occasion when it was proposed to bring forth a Bill in Parliament for borough extensions, Mr Hiley took leading counsel's opinion, with the result that it was dropped as being impracticable at the time. Would that similar course had been adopted with regard to the present I should imagine him to be a very capable waterworks engineer and reliable advisor. There have been several, I believe half a dozen, chief constables of whom there is no doubt the late Mr Farndale was a Superman. At the same time I think the present holder of the position is a thoroughly reliable and efficient officer.[124]

The handsomest Chief Constable

And there were those arguing that Joseph Farndale had been the handsomest chief constable. It was written in 1921 of the late Mr Farndale. Another correspondent challenges my assertion that Mr Farndale was the handsome list chief constable Leicester ever had. He writes: “The handsomest chief constable in recent times and distant, for the matter of that, was not Mr Farndale, but Chief Constable Lumley, particularly when he was in uniform. He was by far the handsomest chief constable Leicester has ever heard, and chief constable Alan is the brainiest.”[125]

In 1929, one must not forget to notice to the Chief Constable of his day, Joseph Farndale, the most distinguished chief constable in living memory, so like the Prince of Wales people used to say of him.[126]

Joseph Farndale

1842 to 1901

The Chief Victorian Constable of Birmingham who foiled a Jack the Ripper Hoax and played a key role in uncovering the Ledsam Dynamite Conspiracy

Part 2 – Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford

Scene 1 - The Halifax Policeman

Joseph Farndale’s nephew was also called Joseph Farndale, born at the Smith Arms, Wakefield on 6 April 1965[127]. His father was an innkeeper. On leaving school the younger Joseph was apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable.[128] He married Emma Selby in 1883[129].

Joseph joined the police at the age of twenty in 1884.

Rescue from a fire

The younger Joseph extinguished a house fire in October 1889. About four o’clock on Thursday afternoon information was taken to the police office that a fire had broken out at the house occupied by Squire Ackroyd, carter, Governor Street, off Waterhouse Street. PC Farndale went to the place and found the door was locked and the room full of smoke. The door was forced open, and it was discovered that the bed was on fire. Farndale procured a few buckets of water and extinguished the fire, but not before the clothes and the bed were destroyed. Ackroyd and his wife were not at home during the afternoon and it is not known how the fire originated.[130]

Rapid promotion

By December 1888, Joseph had been promoted to Sergeant. The unusual spectacle of a solicitor being ordered out was witnessed at the Halifax police court on Wednesday, Frederick J Chapman and Mark Briggs, millhands, Spring Hall lane, were charged on remand with having committed an unprovoked assault upon Franklin Ro, painter, on the evening of November 26th. Mr Moore, who was for the defence persisted in interfering and raising objections in the case with a vehemence which the Bench appeared to resent, and eventually, upon a sergeant from the adjoining barracks being called to speak to the fact of finding the complainant in the road, Mr Moore objected several times to his evidence. At last after several altercations with Mr Boorcock, the Bench told Mr Moore that if he again interfered they would have him removed from the court. Mr Moore persisted in his interference and the Bench directed the Chief Constable (Mr C Pole) to have him removed from court. Police Sergeant Farndale was entrusted with the task of carrying out the instruction of the Bench, but Mr Moore proceeded to leave the court, intimating that he would take action against the magistrate on account of the treatment he had received. The further hearing of the case was adjourned until Friday.[131]

In May 1890 Ellen Dobson, a married woman, whose husband is employed at the coal yard at the railway station, and who resides at Range-lane, Halifax, was brought before the magistrates. Police Sergeant Farndale said that shortly after ten o’clock the woman came to the police office with a knife in her hand and said she wanted to cut her throat. He sent for her husband. He was evidently suffering from the effects of drink. The husband said she had been drinking for a fortnight. They had no family. The woman was remanded.[132]

By 1891 Joseph Farndale, head, 26, was described as a Police Clerk living at 18 Colberk Street, with Emma Farndale, his wife, 28; Florence Farndale, aged 6; Eveline Farndale, aged 5[133]. He was soon promoted to Chief Clerk with the Halifax police, with ambitions for Chief Constableship, like his uncle. In September 1891 the Watch Committee of the Grantham Town Hall appointed Chief Inspector Holland, of Bootle, Liverpool, as Chief Constable of the Borough. Thirty applications were sent in, from which six were selected and applicants attended before the committee. The others included Chief Clerk Farndale, Halifax.[134]

The forger

He soon gained a reputation as a detective when he chased down a forger to Liverpool. In December 1892 at the Halifax Borough Court on Monday, Charles Fawcett, of the Square, Halifax, was charged with having forged a cheque for £2,000 on the Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, in the name of David Haigh, who has a deposit account there. Prisoner is only 19 years of age, has for some time been employed as a bank clerk at the bank. Prisoner is well known and respectably connected. For some time past he has expended his money lavishly, and Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police Force, traced him to Walton on the Hill, Liverpool and arrested him on Saturday night. He had over £80 in his possession and a loaded six chambered revolver. The disclosures have created a great deal of a stir in Halifax.[135]

Head of Halifax Detectives

Joseph Farndale became head of the Halifax detective department at Christmas 1892. The appointment of Chief Clerk Inspector Farndale to the head of the Halifax Detective Department will be perceived with favour by those with whom the Inspector will come into contact. During the discharge of the onerous duties of Chief Clerk he has displayed abilities which fit him for the post of Detective Inspector, and he is a worthy successor to the late Inspector, Mr E Newburn. The compliment paid by Mr Evans to Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax police on Friday on his smart capture of the alleged Forger Fawcett was well merited and adds another feather to the cap of the Inspector. The pace by Fawcett was hotter than generally known, and the young man being known to be in possession of firearms, the chase implied a certain amount of risk. Fawcett took the train to Littleborough, where he alighted. Rochdale was reached by a subsequent train, and Preston was afterwards visited, Fawcett taking the precaution to change his attire. The same evening Fawcett took part in a fancy dress ball at Preston and then decamped to Liverpool where the Inspector “ran him to earth” in the suburbs. Altogether the capture was a very smart one.[136]

Scene 2 - Chief Constable of Margate Police

The younger Joseph became Chief Constable of Margate Borough Police in June 1893.

Detective Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police, has been appointed Chief Constable of Margate. Mr Farndale, who is only 30 years of age, is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a well known tradesman in that city. He was educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, and was intended for a chemist and druggist. Ten years ago, he relinquished that profession for the police force, which had greater attractions for him, and he became a constable at Halifax. His ability was recognised, and at the end of four years he has risen to be chief clerk. For six years he has discharged the duties of that position ably and successfully. Upon the retirement of Detective Inspector Newburn he was appointed head of the detective department, and the success which he achieved in another sphere followed him there. Mr Farndale's appointment to the Chief Constableship of Margate his well deserved. He is in a nephew of Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, who also commenced at the bottom rung of the ladder, starting as a constable at Middlesbrough some 30 years ago.[137]

The new chief constable of Margate, Mr Farndale, started, like his uncle, the chief constable of Birmingham, from the bottom rung of the ladder. A native of Wakefield, he began life in an apothecary’s shop, but at the age of twenty abandoned the pestle and mortar and took service in the Halifax police force. His choice of an occupation was justified in the event, for in four years he rose to be chief clerk, and five years later was appointed head of the detective department. He is still a young man, having yet to complete his thirty first year.[138]

‘Tramps’ and pedlars

Amongst other concurrent roles, Joseph became, in the antiquated language of the day, the Assistant Relieving Officer for Tramps. A letter was received from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Margate, in which he state that his predecessor (Mr Buck) having held the appointment of assistant relieving officer for tramps, at a salary of £5 5s per annum, he should be pleased if the Guardians would appoint him to the post. On the motion of Mr Holttum, Mr Farndale was appointed to the same office at the same salary as his predecessor.[139]

In August 1893, in the trial of a man charged with having acted as a pedlar and assault, Chief Constable Farndale said he had received several complaints of the conduct of pedlars, who intimidated women by forcing goods on them.[140]

In August 1896 Joseph wrote, in reply to the Board’s letter, that he quite agreed with the Guardians that the accommodation for vagrants was inadequate in Margate, and he intended shortly to bring the matter before the local authority. It was not the custom to put vagrants into a common lodging house unless it was too late to send them by train to Minster.[141]

Controlling horses

In a question of leaving horses uncontrolled in September 1893 Chief Constable Farndale said he took up these cases on grounds of public safety, as a few days before this offence a horse attached to a brewer’s van (which was being unloaded) ran away along Marine terrace and it was a miracle that there was not a serious accident.[142]

Weights and measures

Joseph was also the Inspector of Weights and Measures. In June 1894 Mr J Farndale, formerly detective inspector at Halifax, and now Chief Constable of Margate, has passed the examination held by the Board of Trade for inspector of weights and measures.[143]

Failing to whistle on a bike

Joseph Farndale was regularly involved in bicycling offences. In August 1895, William Sparn was summoned for riding a bicycle in Paradise street without giving an audible warning of his approach. Chief Constable Farndale said the defendant rode the bicycle, on the 3rd inst, between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening, down Paradise street, and there collided with a foot passenger, who was crossing the roadway. He was not heard to whistle or ring his bell.[144]

The regretful maid

In February 1896 Jane Dack, domestic servant, aged 17, from Norfolk, was charged by her master, Mr Hugh Denny, 29 with stealing a gold ring and about £10. The prisoner pleaded guilty and said she was sorry for it. She also said her mistress had been very kind to her, and she had had a good place. Head Constable Farndale, having said she told him how she spent the money, and that she was seized with a temptation to steal, which she deeply regretted. Her mistress had very kindly informed the magistrates that she would take her back into service, therefore they would bind her over for six months to be of good behaviour to her mistress and everybody. The prisoner thanked the magistrates and her mistress, and said she would do all she could to be a good girl in future.[145]

Motor cars exceeding two miles an hour

There was concern about a motor car driving in excess of 2 miles per hour. Times were changing and the law needed to catch up. In August 1896 Charles Turrell, of 40 Holborn Viaduct, London, was summoned before the Borough Justices on Wednesday for, on two dates, driving a locomotive on the high street at a greater speed than two miles an hour. The Chief Constable said the locomotive was a motor car and came within the provisions of the Act. PC Bellingham proved that on 31st July he saw the defendant driving his motor car down Paradise Street to the Parade at the rate of 14 miles an hour. In cross examination by Mr Hills, he said he had seen another motor car on the street, and had not reported it; that one was driven carefully, and less than 14 miles an hour. Herbert Twyman swore that the motor car in this instance was driven at the speed of 14 miles an hour. Chief Constable Farndale, examined by Mr Hills, said he knew it was an offence to drive a motor car in the streets more than two miles an hour. He knew that a motor car was plying for hire in this borough for a month, and he had ridden in it. He did not proceed against the man by whom it was driven, because he did not think it was desirable to do so, but in this case, the driver travelled at a rate dangerous to the public, viz, 14 miles an hour. He did not know when he issued the summons that an Act of Parliament had been passed into law permitting motor vehicles to travel on the highway like other vehicles. Mr Hills stated that the Act had received Royal Asset; he could not say when; but it had passed through Parliament before the summons was issued. The case was dismissed, and the second summons was withdrawn.[146]

Driving a horse and cart under the influence

An early case of drunk horse and trap driving was brought to the Police Court in early January 1897. On Saturday, at the Margate Borough Police Court, a fly driver named John William Woodward, appeared in answer to a summons for being drunk in charge of a horse and trap, on Christmas Eve. Defendant continually interrupted whilst the officers gave evidence and caused much amusement when he made the remark “I was as sober as I am now.” It was quite evident that whilst the defendant stood in the dock he was suffering from the effects of liquor. The Chief Constable stated that he had seen several times previously convicted, but in view of the festive season, the chairman intimated that he would only be fined 10s and costs. Defendant: I won’t pay. The Chairman: Fourteen days. Defendant was about to be removed to the cells, when he shouted “Give us another minute” and clung to the rails of the dock. The assistance of three policemen had to be obtained in order to take the prisoner downstairs. Woodward was placed in the dock again on Monday morning when Chief Constable Farndale informed the magistrates that the prisoner was not in a fit condition to be admitted to the gaol on Saturday. He (prisoner) now wished to apologise for his conduct at the previous hearing and wanted to know if the mayor would allow him time to pay the fine. Prisoner said he was sorry for what had occurred, but before going to the Court his master gave him some drink which upset him. The magistrates refused the application and the prisoner was removed below.[147] A fly driver drove a one horse lightweight carriage.

Arson by chimney fire

In February 1897, on a charge against a man for wilfully setting fire to his chimney Chief Constable Farndale said when a witness told the defendant his chimney was on fire, he said he knew it, and was going to burn the place down. At that time there was a quantity of timber on a large coal fire, and some waste paper in the fender.[148]

Too many passengers on an omnibus

The omnibus bye laws were infringed in August 1897 when Edwin Gayward, 28, Byron Road, was summoned for conveying a greater number of persons in an omnibus of which he was the driver that he was authorised to do. Chief Constable Farndale said the proceedings were taken under the 15th of the Omnibus Bylaws, which laid down that no more than 18 persons, exclusive of the driver and conductor, should occupy an omnibus drawn by two horses. The defendant had 20 passengers, and when PC Leper pointed that fact out to him, before he left the stand, he defied to the constable and drove off. PC Leper having proved the case, the defendant said his break was licenced by the Watch Committee to accommodate 22 persons, but Alderman Wootton, who is on the Watch Committee, denied that was the case. Sergeant Ferrier said there were twenty adult passengers and one child. The defendant repeated that his break was licenced to carry 22, and that he did not know anything of 18. He admitted that, including children, he had 21 passengers; two children counted as one passenger. The defendant was fined 5s and 8s costs.[149]

Scene 3 - Chief Constable of York Police

Joseph Farndale became Chief Constable of York from 1897 to 1900[150].

Joseph was given a good send off from Margate. In October 1897, presentations were made to Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of this borough, who has recently been appointed to the command of the city police of York. The mayor presided and there were present.[151]

Itchy feet

Clearly ambitious, it wasn’t long before Joseph Farndale was looking for another upgrade. In November 1898 four selected candidates for the appointment of chief constable of Sheffield are Mr. James Enright, chief constable of Rotherham; Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York; Commander Scott, chief constable of Salford, and Mr Edward Sperrin, Chief Superintendent at Liverpool There were 19 candidates.[152] In December 1898 Mr A C Mackintosh, at present chief constable of Maidstone, formerly chief clerk in the Leeds police office, is among the applicants for the vacant chief constable ship of Newcastle. The list also includes the names of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York, and Mr W H Jones, chief constable of Stockport. Another of the applicant is a London barrister, while the chief clerk of the Bucks County council figures in the list.[153] In January 1899 the Watch Committee of Newcastle Corporation yesterday made a selection of five from the list of candidates for the position of Chief Constable of the city, at a salary to begin with of £500. The Council will be invited to make the final choice to which the Watch Committee will give effect next Friday. The selected five included Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York.[154] He didn’t do well in the Newcastle Chief Constable application, perhaps it was too soon. A meeting of the Newcastle City Council was held yesterday, in the council chamber, Mr George Harkus, Mayor, presiding, the principal business being the appointment of a chief constable for the city. The following was the result of the vote voting: The first vote. The first vote was Wilson, 22; Wright, 20; Wymer, 10; Morant, 8; Farndale, 3. Second vote. The name of Mr Farndale was dropped.[155] In January the Newcastle City Council yesterday took a vote upon the five candidates selected by the Watch Committee from the applicants for the position of Chief Constable. District Inspector James B Wright (37) was appointed. The other selected candidates included Joseph Farndale (34), chief constable, York.[156]

Within months Joseph was applying for the vacancy for Chief Constableship of the city of Birmingham, after his uncle Joseph Farndale had resigned that post due to ill health[157]. 

Killing a swan on the Ouse

On 8 January 1899, some person or persons wilfully killed a young swan on the Rover Ouse, near Clifton Ings, the property of the Ouse Navigation Committee, by shooting it in the neck. A reward was offered to any person giving such information as will lead to the conviction of the offender. Joseph Farndale, Chef Constable, Chief Constable’s Office, York.

The new fire engine is son tested

In May 1899, York took possession of a splendid new fire engine. Yesterday afternoon, in St George’s Fields, the power of a new fire engine, which has been supplied to the town of Thornaby on Tees by Messrs Rose, of Manchester, was tested. The operations were under the superintendence of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale). The engine is guaranteed to pump 350 gallons per hour, but when under full pressure it threw 153 gallons more, or a total of 503 gallons per hour.[158]

In December 1899 a fire broke out in the Salem Chapel, York, last night which was fortunately subdued before it reached very large proportions, although it caused a considerable amount of damage while it lasted. The information of the outbreak was conveyed to the central police station by Mr. Smith of the steam laundry, Aldwark, by telephone at 4.46. The steamer and fire escape were at once sent off in the charge of Superintendent Gains and Inspector Mason who were subsequently joined by the chief constable Mr Farndale. On their arrival the brigade found flames issuing from the gallery windows on the left-hand side of the building. Mr Smith's men were at work with the hosepipe throwing water on the flames through the windows. The brigade connected their hose with the hydrant in St Saviourgate, and went into the building and played on the flames, which they soon succeeded in extinguishing. There are two means of heating the chapel, one by gas which warms the upper part and the other by hot water pipes which heats the lower portion, and it is supposed that the fire originated in some way from the gas apparatus.[159]

Queen’s birthday

The 80th birthday of the Queen was celebrated in May 1899 in York with becoming loyalty. The following magistrates preceded by the Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) were the first of the civic dignitaries to arrive.[160]

Scene 4 - Chief Constable of Bradford City Police Force, 1 August 1900 to 31 December 1930 (30 years)

Joseph became Chief Constable at Bradford in 1900, to succeed Roderick Ross, who had left for Edinburgh[161].

In July 1900 there were congratulations and regrets in York. At the York City Police Court on Monday the magistrates present were the Lord Mayor, Alderman Rymer and Mr H Tennant. The Lord Mayor addressing the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that since they had seen him in that court they had heard that he had been appointed to the chief constableship of Bradford. They could congratulate Mr Farndale, although he did not think that they could congratulate themselves. They could congratulate him on getting the appointment at Bradford, and upon the able way in which he had discharged his duties in that court.[162]

Clearly the issue was that the councillors of York were skimping on pay, and in consequence were not keeping their high officers. A special meeting of the York City council was held on Monday evening, to receive and consider the following report of the Watch Committee: “Your committee have to report that the chief constable has tendered his resignation, having received the appointment of chief constable at the city of Bradford. The committee desire to record their high appreciation of the efficient manner in which Mr Joseph Farndale has discharged the duties of chief constable of this city, and whilst congratulating him on his promotion to the chief constable ship of Bradford, they regret that his services will be lost to the city. The committee recommend that they be authorised to advertise for a successor to Mr Farndale at a commencing salary of £350 per annum.[163] A letter soon appeared to the editor of the Yorkshire Herald. Sir, will you allow me to give expression through your paper to the general opinion which exists in the city, that the corporation of York have made another serious mistake in permitting Mr Farndale to accept a more lucrative and responsible position, when an advance of salary would have secured his continued services in this city. If I am informed that on each of the three occasions when Mr Farndale became a candidate for vacant appointments, he had previously intimated his intention to the Watch Committee, but had received no encouragement to stir any advance either then, or in the future, and he was therefore compelled to obtain preferment outside the City of York, where his services would be better recognised and appreciated. There is another instance of that short sighted policy of penny wise and pound foolish, which characterised characterise the actions of the majority of our councillors.[164]

On 9 August 1900 Mr J Farndale, late of York, and now the Chief Constable of Bradford, was formally introduced to his men.[165]

Juvenile crime

There was a problem with juvenile crime in Bradford. Bradford is creating an undesirable reputation just now for juvenile criminality. Of late months the number of young persons brought before the City Court has been greatly in increase of anything experienced for some considerable period, and the Stipendiary Magistrate ha's intimated that he will in future adopt a much sterner attitude to those who are bought before him, especially after a first conviction. During the quarter just closed no less than 52 persons under the age of 16, consisting of 50 boys and 2 girls, have been charged with various offences, as compared with only five in the previous quarter. Recently there have been systematic raids on pigeon cotes and places where poultry is kept, whilst other youths have devoted their attention to stripping the metal from uninhabited houses and warehouses. The subject has occupied the serious attention of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), and he has come to the conclusion that the facilities afforded young persons for the disposal of the stolen property is an important element in the present undesirable condition of affairs. The law restricts the purchase of smaller quantities of metals, but this fact notwithstanding, there are brokers and marine store dealers who are open to take small lots of material from young people, and the police complain that they have not powered sufficiently comprehensive to deal in the most effective way with these dealers. To remedy this defect as far as possible, application is to be made to parliament in the next session cover for an extension of the powers the city police at present possess, and a clause to that effect has been included in the bill which the Bradford Corporation is promoting. By this means it is hoped something will be done to lessen the number of juvenile criminals in the district; And meanwhile the city Chief Constable is making what use he can of the powers he now possesses, and proceedings are to be taken against some dealers who have not, it is thought, exercised such discretion as is necessary by persons in their position. It is a fact that today there are in Armley gaol more young criminals from Bradford than from any other large city centre of population in the West Riding of Yorkshire.[166]

In 1901, Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Police, head, aged 36 was living at 2 Undercliffe Lane, Bradford with Emma Farndale, his wife, aged 38; Florence Selby Farndale, aged 16; Eveline Farndale, aged 15; Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, aged 7; and Luch Woodhams and Maria Mocarthy, servants[167].

Dawn of a new century

The new century was welcomed in at Bradford. In commemoration of the opening of the twentieth century, the Mayor (Mr W C Lupton), the members of the City Council, the chief officials of the Corporation, the city magistrates, and a number of gentlemen representing institutions of the town, attended Divine service yesterday at Bradford Parish Church. The procession consisted of a posse of police under Chief Constable Farndale (who had altogether 120 men on duty in connection with the proceedings).[168]

Looking splendid with his mounted posse

The inspection of the Bradford City Police Force afternoon at Manningham park was quite a smart and interesting event. Beautiful spring weather prevailed, and the park looked well. The green on the left hand side of the main carriage drive had been staked off for the occasion by a number of flags, and shortly after two o’clock the men of the force were marshalled in various sections fronting the main road. The constables were paraded pending the arrival of the Government Inspector by Sergeant Brown (Drill instructor to the force). All told they numbered over 300 men. This included 25 sergeants, 13 inspectors, and superintendents Blenkinsop, Ackroyd, Bogart, White, and Thompson. Both officers and men were in full uniform, and presented an imposing appearance. Exceptional pains had been taken to thoroughly clean all the metal facings, and the citizens of Bradford have reason to be proud of the smart body of men whose duty it is to patrol the streets of this city and to protect our lives and belongings. A detachment of mounted police, in charge of inspector Mattocks, was a feature of the proceedings, and the detective staff, under the command of Chief Inspector Abbey, were attired in smart civilian dress and wearing silk hats. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, was the most conspicuous feature of the assembly. He was mounted on a spirited steed, and was dressed in an attractive uniform, with a glittering sword hanging by his side. His chapeau was surmounted by plumes.[169]

The curious cases of fortune tellers

In 1901, Joseph Farndale became involved in a number of cases of fortune tellers ripping off their clients.

A curious case of fortune telling came before Mr Skidmore (Stipendiary Magistrate), who found the affair very funny. On the evening of 25 May 1901 a defendant was visited at his house by two of the police matrons.

According to the evidence of the former, the defendant’s first device was to fold two pieces of paper into the form of diamonds, after which he asked the visitors when and where they were born. Mr Skidmore: That is a very dangerous question to ask a lady; I hope you didn’t tell him (laughter). Continuing the witness said that the defendant wrote the information on the diamond formed papers, and then retired saying he was going to meditate as to what planet or planets the visitors were born under. After an absence of about ten minutes, he returned with the information that witness was born under Venus (laughter). He predicted for witness a lot of trouble and sickness this year, but said there would be a change for the better next year. She would he added do well as a lodging house keeper, and he warned her against taking a voyage on the water until next year; this year there was an evil aspect over her (laughter). Had the hour of her call been midnight he would have predicted a voyage abroad next year. He advised her to transact all her important business on the Thursday directly following a new moon. He told her that she would have two offers of marriage during the next year – one from a single man and one from a widower (laughter). Mr Skidmore: Is the defendant a widower? (renewed laughter).  The witness said she paid the defendant 1s 6d for telling her fortune. The defendant told her if she preferred to have it written down it would cost 2s 6d.

In cross examination the defendant complained that the callers had given wrong names. Mr Skidmore: That doesn’t matter; they were told a great many things at your house that were wrong. Defendant: I didn’t send for them. Mr Skidmore: Nobody says you did. Defendant: I haven’t been doing much business during the last three or four years due to my health. Mr Skidmore: And you will do less after today.

Ellen Whitehouse, a married woman, corroborated the testimony of the first witness. The defendant predicted for her two offers of marriage (laughter).

Detective Haigh said he had made inquiries as to the defendant’s antecedents. He had ascertained that the defendant had drawn considerably over £1,000 from a gentleman in Knaresborough in this kind of business – driving away the evil aspect (laughter). He had been carrying on in this way for sixteen years. Mr Skidmore: I shouldn’t have thought there was so much money in Knaresborough. Detective Haigh: The gentleman there has now become seriously ill, and the doctor says it is all due to this man bothering him. He is nearly seventy years of age.

In reply to Mr Skidmore, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) aid there was no previous conviction against the defendant for this kind of offence, but he had been fined for assaulting his wife. He had been carrying on business for twenty years in Bradford and called himself a herbalist. Defendant (to the detective): I haven’t drawn over £1000 from that man. Detective Haigh: You have had £1 a week from him for over twenty years. Defendant: No, I haven’t had 10s. Mr Skidmore: You ought not to have had 10d.

Detective Haigh: He has gone down to this gentleman’s house regularly about once a week, ad has spent the night in boiling down beats’ hearts and putting it into ginger beer bottles to drive the evil spirits away. He would spend the night in this way and leave next morning. Mr Skidmore: I see, a sort of incantation (laughter).

The Chief Constable said the visitors to the defendant’s house were not confined to any particular class. This Knaresborough business had been put to an end.

Mr Skidmore (to the defendant): You are a rogue and a vagabond. That is what the law calls you. If you had been convicted before you would have been sent to prison for a long term without the option of a fine. There is no doubt that you have been carrying on this business and imposing upon His Majesty’s subjects for a long period of time. You will be fined £10 and 12s costs, or six weeks imprisonment.

In June 1901 at Bradford City Police Court a defendant was charged with stealing a pair of bathing drawers, value 6d, the property of the Bradford Corporation. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) remarked that no fewer than 100 pairs of drawers had disappeared from one of the baths within the last six weeks.[170]

The problem of fortune teller ‘scams’ returned in 1902. A well dressed and somewhat handsome woman named Mrs Annis Wood, of 7 Nelson Square, Bradford, was before the Bradfords Stipendiary, Mr C Skidmore, this morning on two charges of unlawfully telling fortunes. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that the prosecution was under the Vagrancy Act of 1824[171]. Defendant had lived at the address named for three years, and her visitors numbered sometimes 100 a day. They were principally ladies, who called to have their fortunes told. Defendant looked at her clients’ hands and then pretended to tell them something about their future. After that she took their handkerchief, rolled it into a ball, and preceded with her story. They then paid a fee of a shilling or so, the amount varying according to the client's circumstances. Mrs Annie Ledger, of 39 Alexander St, said that on Friday, February 28, she visited the defendant's house, and arranged to call again on the following Thursday. She went at three o’clock, and arranged to call again at four o’clock. Defendant answered the door, and showed her into a room where there were five other ladies. These took their turns to visit Mrs Wood in another room, and witness, who had taken her wedding ring off, was the last but one. Witness said the defendant told her she was a single woman. The Stipendiary: “A very bad shot”. Witness: “She said I should not be engaged for a very long time. She then asked me if I knew a dark man with eyes darker than my own who had not been true to me? Then she asked if I knew another darker than her? I said no. She said he thought the world of me (laughter) and that I knew it. I told her I did not know that.” Then she said I was not really strong, that I should have a lot of sickness, but nothing dangerous. She gave a prescription, one ounce of Epsom salts, an ounce of magnesium, and announce of essence of peppermint. The Stipendiary: “That is what they call a love powder”. (Laughter). Witness, proceeding, said , “Then she said there would be two deaths in the family. I should not bother about one, but for the other I should have to go into a very deep mourning. The last death was to bring me some money. She asked me for my handkerchief, which she rolled up. She next told me that a married man thought more about me than he did about his wife, and there was no love between them. (Laughter). She said that if I was not careful it would be a law case. The man would go in for a divorce, and marry me at once if I was agreeable. She said I should have a very successful year. I should have money, and things would be brighter all around. I asked her fee, and she said 1s 6d. I put two single shillings down, and she took one and returned the other.” Witness added that she went at the instigation of the police. Cross examined by Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who appeared for the defendant,: “There was no pressure put upon me by the defendant. She did not know whether Mrs Wood advertised. She made a note of the proceedings when she got home. The Stipendiary: “If this is true it is an offence”. Mr Earnshaw submitted it was not a case of fortune telling. There was no intention to impose upon people. Palmistry was not illegal, and was not fortune telling. The act had been framed for the protection of people against gypsies. This was not an offence under the Act. The Stipendiary held that if the witness’s story was true an offence had been proved. Mr Earnshaw put his client into the box. Mrs Wood said that she had been engaged in clairvoyance for nine years, and in palmistry for four years. Mr Earnshaw, “How do you know you have the power of clairvoyance?” Defendant: “It is only in born”. Defendant added that before she took money she advised friends and neighbours gratuitously. People paid her what they thought fit. She remembered Mrs Ledger coming. She took her hands and read the lines. “They were very fine lines,” said the defendant in an impressive voice and with a theatrical air. “I said,” Defendant went on “you are a married lady.” she said “No”. I said “Be truthful to me and I will be truthful to you.” I said “you certainly know a gentleman that works at a large building within 3 minutes of the railway station. The gentleman before long will have an improvement in his position.” Defendant added that in the course of her career she had been consulted by a large number of people, about 25 a day, but not 100. Stipendiary: “A very nice way of getting a living. It is much easier than mine”. (Laughter). Defendant: “I only work four days a week. It is not true that I receive fees of a sovereign or even half a sovereign. I have had girls visit me of 18 years of age, but none younger. Mr Earnshaw: “Have you done it in the hope of reward?” Defendant: “A clergyman gets reward”. The chief constable, in answer to the Stipendiary, said that they estimated the Defendant was making £300 a year. She had plenty of clients, including carriage people. She told things to young girls which had caused stress in many respectable Bradford homes. He asked for the law to be enforced. Stipendiary: “If you come here again and the offences proved you will be sent to gaol. This morning I shall find you find you pounds £25 and 12 S costs, or one month. The chief constable was proceeding to examine his witness in the second case when Mr Earnshaw pleaded guilty. He asked for time in which to pay the fine. The Stipendiary: “I am pleased to see she can engage counsel”. Mr Earnshaw: “I am engaged by the Occultist's League, and not by Mrs wood. On the second charge a fine of £10 and 12s costs, or 21 days was imposed. The chief constable objected to allowing the defendant time to pay under the circumstances.[172]

His famous uncle’s death

When Joseph’s uncle, Joseph Farndale died in 1901, at a meeting of the Watch Committee today, a letter was read from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable at Bradford, thanking the committee for the resolution of condolence in respect to the death of the late Mr Joseph Farndale.[173]

Music licences and the signing ‘oils

In January 1902, Joseph Farndale became involved in a moral crusade against music licences for the “Singing ‘oils” of Bradford. Transplant the average Midland “man about town” on a Saturday night or a bank holiday night, into any of the larger Yorkshire centres of population, and the first feature of “about town” life which would strike him would be the public house “singing ‘oil” or free and easy, for he knows none such. The present writer's first introduction to one was in 1893, at Sheffield, and the recollection of its melodiousness, its rowdiness, its rudimentary harmony, and its flood of ale, is yet with him. An atmosphere reeking with bad tobacco, a room crowded with men and women, in whom the “wine” with more than mellow, sloppy tables, sloppy songs, vigorous applause, and vigorous language, that is the sum and substance of the recollection. Since those days the Yorkshire singing ‘oil has somewhat improved but its main features remained the same on that night of all nights for alcoholic enjoyment - Saturday night. There is a little more outward seeming decency, and Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield... These recollections and reflections are prompted by the recent action of the Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. In Bradford there are 618 hotels and public houses; 368 of these have music licences, and 37 other places have similar licences. Altogether 405 music licences are held in the city. These are two fully fledged musicals, two theatres, and St. Georges hall and the mechanics institute to contribute to the legitimate amusement of the week in week out. In addition 10 or a dozen public houses in the centre of the city run singing ‘oils, some with the concomitant dignity of a regular playbill, some with millie a scratch selection of paid or amateur talent.[174]

A gold watch

In March 1902 Mr J Farndale, formerly chief of police of Margate, has been presented with a gold watch by the subordinate members of the Bradford force, in recognition of his successful endeavours to make the policeman’s lot a happy one.[175]

Always on duty

The Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) stated that a police officer was never off duty until he left the service.[176]

No more drinking time at the Coronation

No extra hours in pubs were allowed in 1902 in Bradford for the Coronation, even though Joseph did not object. A special sitting of the Bradford licencing bench, Mr. J Godwin presiding, was held this morning at the town hall to consider the application of Mr. A Neil, on behalf of the licenced victors, for an hour extension, eleven o’clock to twelve midnight, on the nights of June 26th and 27th. Mr Newell appeared on behalf of the beer sellers. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said he had no objection to the application. He was told that the Diamond Jubilee the police had had no cause of complaint. The Bench refused to grant any extension. Mr Neil also applied for an all night extension at the New Inn, Idle, stating that an ox was to be roasted in front of the hotel. The Bench refused the application.[177]

The baccarat players were not tolerated. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) contended that baccarat was an unlawful game wherever it was played. The Stipendiary (Mr C Skidmore) found that, firstly, the club was a bona fide club; secondly, that baccarat was an unlawful game as habitually played there, and, thirdly, the club was kept for two purposes – social and gambling, and that constituted a common gaming house.[178]

The folk of Bradford behaved well for the King’s Coronation. After the holiday for the new King’s coronation: Chief Constable Farndale expressed himself highly pleased with the conduct of the people yesterday and assures us that the police were given every assistance. To use his own words: “It was a good natured and thoroughly well-behaved crowd.” The streets were certainly well kept yesterday by the force.[179]

Standing up for his force

In September 1902 the magistrates dismissed a charge brought against a Cleckheaton labourer, to Joseph’s consternation. The evidence was contradictory and the Bench decided not to convict. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale): Then, I am to understand you do not believe my officer? The Chairman: I don’t like your way of putting the question. I am sure it is far from us to accuse your officer of speaking an untruth. It is possible he has got a mistaken idea. The Chief Constable: Well, sir, I must do my duty. If I put men into the box whom you cannot believe then I must endeavour to rid the city of them. The Chairman: There is a want of corroboration on both sides. The Chief Constable: I am not complaining because you have discharged the prisoner. I am concerned as to the truthfulness of my officers. The Chairman: We do not feel justified in convicting. That is all. The matter then dropped.[180]

Getting to know Joseph, the new model of Chief Constable

There was a Pen Portrait of Joseph Farndale in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903 entitled The Chief.

It may be either fortunate or unfortunate to know Mr Farndale, the gentleman who sits at the Town Hall as Chief Presenter of crime in the city of Bradford. If he is your friend, you will find him what the gamins call “OK”, but if you happen to come within the clutches of his myrmidons of the law you would be less appreciative, perhaps, of this man and his office. The chief constable has not been with us very long, but he has gained the respect of the law abiding citizens by his courtesy. He is not too big a man to oblige. We have known chief constables with a good deal fewer than 300 policemen at their beck and call who fancied all the powers of earth and heaven were committed to their charge. The swelling importance of such men is not pleasant to behold. Mr Farndale does not presume upon the dignity of his position, nor carry out his office despoticly in any way. He is rather of a modest and retiring disposition than otherwise and does not have thirst to fill the public eye. We have known some very autocratic chief constables. They used to exercise their functions mainly in county divisions and in the old days of quarter sessions. They were very great men in those days, and all chief constables were great men. The growth of democracy and the rise of county councils has reduced the awful state of the chiefs of police. They, for the most part, now do their duty like ordinary men. There was one of these personages in our youth who rejoiced in the dubious nickname, when in the army, of “Hellfire Jack”, and who as chief of police chastened public offenders in the street with a thick oaken stick, and who used to sit besides the magistrates on the bench and help the magistrates to administer the law.

Now we lay stress on the contrast between the old theology, beg pardon, the old style of chief constable, and the new. Mr Farndale is of the new model. His ideal is that the police should serve the people with civility and fidelity, and that perfect confidence should prevail between the force and the public. No man was more deeply hurt than he at the discredit thrown upon the Constabulary a few months back by the irregularities. Good relations exist between the chief constable hand and his men, and while strict he is no martinet. The consequences that we believe are force is an improvement on what it was a few years back. Mr Farndale having risen from the ranks, knows the whole round of a policeman's duties, and he judges his men with the eye of knowledge. The consequence is that the men had full faith in their chief, and tried to serve him well accordingly.

Mr Farndale is a quiet, dark man, who rules his men firmly, who tries to bring about obedience to the law, and yet is not guilty of straining the law against the accused person. As a rule a policeman acquires a certain amount of bias in the pursuit of his calling, and is not sufficiently inclined to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt. We have seen no excessive straining after convictions on the part of Mr Farndale, and this is the more noteworthy as he has a police ancestry.

Mr Farndale was born at Wakefield in 1864, and is the nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, the late distinguished chief constable Birmingham. He was educated at Field House Academy, Aberford, and was, early in life, apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable. For 10 years he was connected with that force, during which time he worked his way successfully through the different grades of Constable, Detective Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Clerk, and Detective Inspector. In 1893, when second in command of the Halifax police force, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Margate, which position he filled with marked success until 1897, when he was appointed chief constable of York. From there he came to Bradford, succeeding Mr Roderick Ross as chief constable in 1900.

During the three years he has been in Bradford, Mr Farndale has affected many reforms in the police administration of the city, and now it can truly be said that the force never was in a more efficient condition. With the example of his uncle before him, he is an enthusiast in his profession, and it was just that enthusiasm for his work which led to his rapid promotion in his early days of police service. Among his many smart pieces of work as a different detective at Halifax was his arrest of a bank clerk for forgery. The clerk absconded, and with but the slightest description, Mr Farndale started his pursuit, traced and followed his man to Littleborough, thence from place to place from Rochdale to Preston and Saint Helens to near Liverpool, where he ran his quarry to earth. In the course of his career some thousands of “wanteds” have passed through his hands, and his keen remembrance of faces once seen has often led to the arrest of the man wanted even after the lapse of a considerable time. Himself a smart man, Mr Farndale will tolerate none but smart men in his force; the sluggard has no sympathy from him, whereas the man of intelligence and security and is certain sooner or later to attract his high and receive promotion. Hence it may be that in the minds of some of his force he is unpopular, but he has the good opinion of the honest policeman, just as he enjoys the goodwill of the authorities and respectable portion of the community. Above all, he is a man of principle. His every action speaks that. From every town and city in which he has laboured Farndale has brought away some more or less tangible expression of appreciation of his work. When he went to Margate he found himself confronted with the difficulty of the overcrowding of passenger steamers. He faced the difficulty with unsparing hand. Some heavy fines were inflicted, and Mr Farndale today holds a special letter of thanks from the Board of Trade for the efforts which he made to curtail a practise which threatened disaster. Similarly the Bradford Temperance Party and free church council have thanked him publicly for the part paid him played in bringing about the suppression of the public house music licences. We cannot conclude this appreciative article without recounting an experience which he had in his early days at Bradford when he used to parade the streets at night disguised in order to ascertain for himself whether his men were doing their duty. Prowling about Westgate in the “wee sma’ hours” he was accosted by a constable, and peremptorily ordered to “move on or be locked up”. Failing to convince the constable as to his identity he discreetly “moved on” and we have not heard since of his zealousness leading him into such methods of supervision.[181]

The Fingerprints Pioneer

Joseph Farndale was a pioneer of the new use of fingerprints in Bradford. The city police authorities have just adopted the new system of identifying prisoners, and henceforth Bradford miscreants will be subjected to what is already known as the fingerprinted process. The old form of identification consisted of taking measurements, and a record of any marks on the person, together with photograph, but there were many defects in that system. The measurements were found to be unreliable and other methods employed were not altogether satisfactory. Often a great deal of valuable time was wasted in completing investigations regarding a prisoner's previous convictions, and the methods in which he carried out his work. The new system of establishing identity by means of a man's fingerprints appears to be a much more certain and satisfactory method, and from experiments which have recently been made at Scotland Yard it appears that there is no possibility of any mistake being made. Although new to Bradford, the system is by no means a recent invention, for it has for some time been adopted with very great success in other parts of the world. In China it has been used for many years with signal success, and in India it is likewise being utilised very extensively in all branches of the civil service and Police Department.

In the course of an interview with a “Telegraph” reporter had yesterday with the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, that gentleman said that the system was introduced into Scotland Yard some seven years ago as a means of identifying criminals of the worst type, and the authorities have so satisfied themselves with its efficiency that they are encouraging its general adoption. “It was brought to its present state of great utility,” said the chief constable, “by Mr Henry, the chief Commissioner of Police. At first it was confined to specially trained officials at the prisons throughout the country, but now sanction has been given for impressions to be taken by capable officers in any police force. Now the impressions are taken and sent by first post to Scotland Yard, and particulars of the man's identity are forwarded by the following post”.

In answer to a question as to the advantage of the new over the old system Mr Farndale replied: “In the old system the only method of identifying a prisoner was to show him or his photograph to the officer who had actually had him in custody, but in the new system once a man's impressions are secured they remain at the headquarters, Scotland Yard, and are always available.”

It is a well known fact that the impressions of the fingers of different persons are never like. The lines on the tips are part of his individuality, and, what is of more importance to the police, do not vary in formation at any period of his life.

Speaking on this point the chief constable said: “It is beyond doubt that there are no two sets of fingerprints identically the same. It has often been said that in the general design of fingerprints there are no two fingers alike. The system is the most perfect one. The more you study it the more satisfied you are regarding its practicability.”

But a work of this description must be of a complicated nature? interjaculated our representative.

“It would appear so,” replied the chief constable, £but Mr Henry, of Scotland Yard, has devised a most remarkable system of classification. It is in the form of a large cabinet, which already contains the impressions of about 50,000 criminals. These are classified in such a way that it could be easy for any officer after once becoming acquainted with the system to go to the cabinet and produce a person’s impressions in the space of a few seconds.”

The chief constable has studied the system for a couple of years, and is perfectly satisfied that it is the best system which has yet been introduced. Last week Detective Inspector Talbot and Sergeant Nicholson were at Scotland Yard, and these two officers, under the supervision of the Chief Constable, will have charge of the new system in Bradford. Already several impressions have been taken and sent to London, where they have been classified, and the convictions of the prisoner have been returned.[182]

In February 1905, there were further developments in the use of fingerprints. When the Bertillon method[183] of identifying criminals by the prints of their fingers was first introduced into England much doubt was expressed as to the efficacy of the system. Those doubts have been to a great extent dispelled by several recent cases, where criminals have been identified by and convicted on the evidence of their fingerprints. Additional arguments in support of the system has been supplied by the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph farndale, in his Annual Report just issued. Mr Farndale states that this system of identifying criminals has been in operation in Bradford for the past 18 months, with highly satisfactory results, and he adds that it has been of valuable assistance in the detection of serious crime. In one case a finger impression was left on a glass panel which had been broken in effecting an entry to an office; in another an impression was left on a small polished medicine chest which had been opened; In a third case an impression was left on a bathroom door, the top of which had been grasped by the thief in lowering himself from the ceiling through which he had entered the premises; in a fourth the thief drank beer from a bottle inside the premises entered, leaving a finger impression on the bottle. All the articles mentioned were brought to the Town Hall, where photographs of the impressions were taken and enlarged. In one instance the impression was found to be identical with a finger impression of a well known convicted thief, whose prints were contained in the local record. He was arrested and upon this and evidence of a circumstantial nature he was committed for trial and eventually convicted. In other cases the thieves were apprehended upon circumstantial evidence, which upon their trial was conclusively supported by further evidence that the fingerprint impressions referred to with theirs, and they were convicted.

Mr Farndale states that the finger impressions of prisoners sentenced at any court for indictable offences, that is, offences against the person, against property with or without violence, forgery etc, are recorded at the Habitual Criminals Registry at Scotland Yard, where there are at present records of the impressions of over 100,000 prisoners. These records are so classified that on the receipt of the impression of a prisoner two or three minutes is sufficient to ascertain whether or not a duplicate copy is on the record. If it is, the prisoner’s criminal history is supplied by return of post. The result is that the courts dealing with old offenders have their complete criminal history before them. Where no records are obtainable it may safely be assumed that there has been no previous conviction of serious crime.[184]

Joseph is staying

In November 1903 a general rumour has been going about the city lately to the effect that our account our Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, is a candidate for the vacancy which has occurred at Hull. The other day, in the course of some conversation I had with “the chief”, I learned that the report is absolutely without foundation. Mr Farndale is not likely to leave Bradford. He finds our city most congenial, and what is more, he is most happy with his men, and in fact finds much to be proud of in the force of which he is the head.[185]

A lesson for his detective

Joseph Farndale was involved in a furious row with his detective in November 1903 when a strange and somewhat exciting incident occurred in the Bradford City police court yesterday, whilst the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Charles Skidmore, was engaged with a case in which a labourer named John Whelan, of 10 Haworth St, Bradford, charged with loitering in White Abbey Road, Bradford, with intent to commit a felony. The solicitor whom the prisoner had retained was unable to be present, and it was therefore decided to remand the case until today, the stipendiary remarking that Mr Atkinson, the solicitor in question, was engaged the West Riding police courts, and could not be expected to be in two places at once. He asked the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, whether there was any reason why the prisoner should not have bail, and it was at this stage that the incident arose. The chief constable was proceeding to speak when Detective Willoughby, of the city force, rose from his seat and stepped into the witness box, and said “Allow me, Sir”. He was going to speak when the chief constable said: “Willoughby, step out of the box.” Willoughby: I will do. The chief constable preceded to state that he would take responsibility of the prisoner being remanded. Detective Willoughby: He is innocent; and if the case is gone on with I and Detective Green will give evidence in his favour. The chief constable said “Stand down sir. If you don't if you don't know your position I will teach you. Detective Willoughby: “You have done”. The stipendiary: “Is there any reason why the prisoner should not have bailed? I cannot of course, shut my eyes to what Willoughby has said”. The chief constable said he would agree to bail, and the prisoner was remanded a £5 bail. The stipendiary to the chief constable: “Of course you will inquire into this”. The chief constable: “Yes Sir; Very seriously.” The incident then closed. After the police court proceedings Willoughby was suspended by the chief constable, and his conduct will be investigated by the Watch Committee.[186]

The controversial suppression of offensive postcards

Joseph Farndale’s moral crusade turned its attention to offending picture postcards in September 1904. A letter appeared: Sir, it is about time that Bradford as a whole should rise in protest at the support which Chief Constable Farndale is giving to the whimsicalities of the free church council. First, the pubs (music licences), then the theatres, and now the innocent shopkeeper are being made to suffer. And all this fuss is being made about an unoffending picture postcard, which is probably caused more merriment than anything, published in Bradford during the last 12 months, and that included the satirical “J....” Possibly Joseph Farndale would like to see the shop windows of fancy stationers plastered with pictorial postcards depicting him in his glorious war paint. Forsooth, it would be a subject to hand down to our children's children, that is if the London comics did not steal the copyright. We shall next have an objection about policemen smiling when on duty, and possibly the chiefs thoroughbred may be induced to wear a shirt. I'm afraid that in this age progress we are mentally on the decline, and it is certainly a pity that they cannot find detectives something more to do than patrol the town in a hunt after picture postcards, especially of the kind to which objection has been taken. There is quite sufficient work for the police in looking after the thieving fraternity, judging by the number of robberies that have recently taken place in Bradford. Trusting that the bench, if it comes to that, will not be guiled by these puritanical crusaders, believe me to be, J Jackson, Girlington, September 11th, 1904.[187]

One of the culprits

Chief Constable Farndale, the head of the Bradford police force, has already gained some notoriety for his attitude on certain questions affecting the morals of the people, but his latest stricture is likely to bring him increased popularity among the large class of citizens in this connection. It is to take the form of the suppression of a certain class of picture post card, which has been largely in demand in the city during the past weeks. In addition to the one reproduced above there are two other equally ridiculous postcards purporting to depict “Shipley Glen after dark.” Naturally enough, the action of the chief constable is being strongly resented by certain retailers of picture postcards, and in all probability these city magistrates will in a few days be called upon to decide the issue. Yesterday, visits were paid to shops by officers of the police force with special instructions from the Chief Constable to effect the purchase of the complete set from each of the largest establishments in the centre of the town. At the same time the proprietor or person in charge was made aware of the mission of the police with the information that if the sale of these particular cards was discontinued nothing further would be heard of the matter. In the event of a refusal to comply with Mr Farndale's request, however, it was made clear that proceedings would probably be instituted in the police court.

Almost without exception the shopkeepers have failed to comply with his request, and have decided to fight the matter out. As a body they maintain that the offending post cards are in no way immoral, but merely a humorous satire upon the conversation usually heard in these places after dusk. Regarding the sale of these particular cards some idea of the extent of their popularity may be gathered from the fact that one dealer not far from the bottom of Manchester Road declared that his sale for the past month has averaged many thousands per week. In the course of an interview one manager remarked: “I don't know what we're coming to. We shall have to show our marriage licence to the milkman next. It would be far better if Mr Farndale would only turn his attention to the number of loose women who are allowed to wander about the streets at night in search of their prey, rather than try to interfere with the innocent enjoyment to the people.” Another of the offending shop men was equally indignant, and expressed himself thus: “Why don't the police stop us from breathing? If we had exposed pictures for sale which were allowed in other towns there would have been just cause for complaint, but to seize an innocent little card with a few silly cover ridiculous suggestions upon it seems to me to be perfectly absurd. I cannot believe that the common sense of the Bradford Bench will be misled by such tactics as these.” Generally the impression prevails amongst dealers in picture postcards that the action of the Chief Constable is an unwarrantable interference at the privileges of the people, and it will be interesting to know what will be the ultimate result.[188]

Another letter soon appeared. Sir, from the shopkeeper 's point of view the action of the Chief Constable, with regards to suppressing a certain series of picture postcards, is puritanical in the extreme, and is another hardship upon a class which already has enough to bear. While rates are steadily going up in the town, the retail trade is growing worse, and this action seems to many of us like the thin end of the wedge. Already stationers and other tradesmen have been injured a good deal by the Bradford Exhibition, and it is hard indeed to find any justification for this latest action. At the very worst the postcards can only be described as nonsensical, and I would defy Mr Farndale to show any indecency about them. Shopkeepers who deal in picture postcards now exercise a great deal of discretion, and large numbers of those which are exhibited in shop windows on the Continent are boycotted by retailers here. What these over-efficious authorities would say to some of the series openly displayed in continental towns I don't know. But I can assure them that in many cases one or two of the worst of a series imported from abroad is destroyed. I admit that so far the matter has not become serious, but we regard this of a warning of stricter measures yet forthcoming. Thanking you in anticipation for inserting this letter. Yours truly. Indignant shopkeeper. September 10 1904.[189]

The case of the stolen ring

On 27 December 1904 before the Stipendiary, Mr Skidmore, Thomas Harrington, 45, labourer, 35 Burlington St, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal 2s 6d by trick from George Bates. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that on Christmas Eve the prisoner accosted two young men from Dewsbury and ask them to buy a ring. It was only brass, and he represented it to be 18 carat gold. The prisoner had been in trouble 29 times previously for all manner of offences. He was now sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour.[190]

The Prince and Princess of Wales

There was a visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales to Bradford in 1904. The truth of the old maxim which says something of “the best laid schemes of mice and men” was fully demonstrated on Friday when the Prince and Princess of Wales made their return visit to Bradford for the express purpose of inspecting Manningham Mills. The visit was to be of a strictly private character, and the edict went forth but the movements of the royal couple yesterday were to be kept strictly secret. But the fulfilment of the injunction appeared at the outset to be well nigh possible, and, as everybody expected, the whole scheme of arrangements leaked out, with the gratifying results that Bradford had a still further opportunity of testifying to its strong sense of a spirit of loyalty. To have made any attempts to decorate the station at which the royal party were to alight would, of course, have been to at once let out the secret, but this precaution made no difference, for everybody appeared to be ‘in the know’, and again Bradford extended a hearty welcome to their Royal Highnesses. The arrival at Frizinghall. The Princess the Prince and Princess and suite travelled by a special train, to which was attached the Great Northern Company’s royal saloon. It was due to arrive at the frizinghall station at 11:19 am. A few minutes before that time the Mayor, Alderman David Wade, drove up to the station, and was followed on the platform by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale.[191]

An early speed trap

The Bradford police set an early speed trap in September 1905. A trap for unwary motorists on the Keighly Road, Frizinghall, Bradford, resulted in a prosecution at the city county court yesterday. The defendant was an electrical and mechanical engineer, and he was summoned for driving a motor car at a speed exceeding 20 miles an hour. The chief constable, Mr Farndale, said the defendant passed a measured 220 yards at a speed equal to 24 miles, 1,276 yards, an hour. He was timed by two police officers with stopwatches, who signalled each other with umbrellas. The times varied 4/5 of a second, and the defendant had been given the benefit of this by a calculation of the longest time. The Stipendiary, Mr Skidmore, said the locality was most dangerous one. He had nearly been run over himself there on the previous evening. Inspector Seed, one of the police officers, said there was other traffic on the road at the time, but no one was in danger. Mr W G Purnell, on behalf of the defendant, complained that the distance of 220 yards was much too short and unfair. He pointed out the considerable difference one second would make in timing over such a short distance and expressed the opinion that the length should be no less than ¼ of a mile. The Stipendiary said the police officers would not have been visible to each other at this point if such a distance had been taken. Proceeding, Mr Purnell said the defendant had had experience of the motor trade generally for eight or nine years, and in the last three years he had driven all over the United Kingdom without having a complaint raised against him. The defendant gave evidence and estimated the speed of the car at 18 miles an hour. He admitted that he had no means on the car of ascertaining its speed. He did not agree with the chief constable that speed grew with motorists. Mr North, a Bradford gentleman who was in the car at the time, also estimated the speed at 18 miles. The bench convicted and imposed a fine of £3 and 9s 6d costs.[192]

In another incident of scorching, two further summonses against motorists for enforcing the legal limit came on for hearing at the Bradford City court today. In the first case the accused’s counsel pleaded guilty to exceeding 20 miles an hour. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that the defendant travelled over a distance of an eighth of a mile at a speed of 26 miles an hour. There was however no traffic on the road at the time. The accused’s counsel said the accused had a very important appointment to keep. He was considered to be the most expert driver in Bradford, and he was sorry that he had broken the law.[193]

Three blind beggars prefer freedom to the workhouse

On 12 May 1906, at the City Police Courts, three blind persons were dealt with or for begging. The first, of the Lodging Houses, charged with soliciting alms in Godwin Street; the second, of George Street, charged with begging in Kirk Gate; and the other, of Jermyn Street, charged with begging in Bank Church. The Chief Constable stated that this was a serious offence, and a great nuisance in Bradford. One man was a vagrant in the true sense of the term. He had had friends who had left him money which he had squandered in drink. He had been tried by a committee of the Corporation, but he would do nothing, and persisted in getting his living in this precarious way. He had been taught to work at the Blind Institute, but he absolutely refused to follow employment there. One accused said that the trade he had been taught to work at was not sufficiently remunerative. He was sent to gaol for seven days hard labour. In the case of another, the Chief Constable said he was worthless fellow. He was formerly at Halifax during the time that he, Mr Farndale, was there. He was not blind then, but had brought on his blindness by his vicious habits, and had been convicted 16 times for all manner of offences, principally drunkenness. Then he came to Bradford and had lived on the generous public ever since. He had since many times can been convicted of drunkenness at Bradford. The Stipendiary asked: “Why don't you go to the workhouse?” “Because I'd sooner have my liberty”. One man was sent to gaol for 21 days hard labour.[194]

Dancing without a licence

The police turned their attention in 1907 to public dancing regulations. On 23 January 1907 at the Bradford Police Court, a man of Carlton House, Little Horton Lane, was summoned for using a room for public dancing without a licence. The Chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said to the proceedings were taken under the Public Health Amendment Act. The stipendiary: I tried this question many years ago in a test case. Continuing, the chief constable said that the defendant was the occupier of rooms at the rear of his residence in Little Horton lane. The rooms were built for the purpose of dancing. Up to last year the defendant was the holder of a dancing licence in the Collegian Rooms, and he had apparently transferred his business to these rooms, for which he had no license. The only difference in the conduct between the two places was that in the case of the Collegian Rooms, the tickets were sold at the door, and at the rooms in Little Horton lane, tickets were sold for four nights, any four nights during the season. Mr. Brown gave instruction in dancing on certain nights in the week, and the other nights were devoted to public dancing. On one occasion these rooms were let to a young man connected with a Bradford firm, and this gentleman sold tickets to the public for dancing. The chief constable argued that the rooms were not a dancing school within the meaning of the Act, and should be subjected to the same conditions as other public dancing institutions. PC Shaw, a probationer, who was sent to those rooms to make inquiries, said he took out a ticket for four nights, and on the second night he had to complain of his partner being awkward. The Stipendiary: Perhaps she thought you were awkward. (Laughter). PC Shaw further stated that on almost every occasion instruction in dancing was given by Mr. Brown, and new dances were explained. Mr Alex Neil, who appeared for the defendant, denied that the room had been used for public dancing, and maintained that the rooms were simply a dancing school. Mr. Brown then went into the witness box, and made a remark about the police witness, which was considered offensive. The chief constable: Did you find anything amiss with the constable while you while at your rooms? Mr. Brown: no. The chief constable: Why do you go out of your way to say that the constable was no good? I did not say he was no good. I put it to you that the reason why you don't take out a licence is because you object to policemen coming into your rooms? Witness: I do not object to the police coming, I am master at my own house. They stipendiary in dismissing the case expressed the opinion that the rooms were dancing rooms to which the public were promiscuously admitted.[195]

A Wesleyan Mission was picked up for unlicensed singing and dancing on 4 April 1911. Mr H W W Wilberforce, the Bradford stipendiary magistrate, yesterday gave his decision in the case of the Chief Constable of Bradford v Thomas Pratt. He said that it was alleged the defendant, as honorary secretary, was using for the public music and singing, on Saturday evenings and without a licence, a room in the Eastbrook hall, Bradford, a place registered for religious service. The programmes showed that the concerts were opened with hymn and prayer, and were followed by vocal and instrumental numbers, reproductions of songs, cinemagraphic views, and even occasional humorous items. The charge for admission was small, and there was no attempt to secure a profit. The concerts were organised by Mr Nield, the Wesleyan missioner, to provide innocent and elevating recreation for persons who otherwise might be spending their Saturday evenings in a worse fashion. The effort was laudable in the extreme, and neither that court nor the justices who had been dealing with licences, would put any undue obstacle in its way. The question he had to deal with was whether this was public singing and entertainment of such character as to require a licence? It had been contended that these concerts were really religious services, but after seeing the programme, he did not think that could be sustained in the ordinary meaning of the word ‘religious’. He hopes that the application for a licence in this case would be nothing more than a mere formality, but it must be gone through, if the concerts were to be continued. Mr Trewavas, who appeared for the defendant, asked for an adjournment, so the committee could consider their position. He did not apprehend that the decision of the stipendiary would be challenged, but they were near the end of their concert season, and it would be necessary to consult the committee having charge of them, Eastbrook Hall not being run by one man, but by a committee. The stipendiary said he had no doubt if it was decided to apply for a licence in future, the chief constable would be willing to withdraw the case on payment of costs, as it would be undesirable to record a conviction against such a place. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said that the promoters of similar concepts in connection with other places of worship in the city secured occasional licences, and the defendant could do the same. These stipendiary said that if the defendant continued the concerts during the period of adjournment without a licence, he would do so at his own risk. Mr Trewavas said he would take the adjournment, which was granted for three weeks.[196]

Milo, the living statue

The next moral issue to hit Bradford was the appearance of the actress known as Milo who posed as a ‘living statue’.

Actress Pansy Montague[197] was also known as La Milo. Her posings as a statue, on the London stage and in various music halls around the country, provoked controversy. Pansy Montague, La Milo appeared as a chorus girl and actress in Melbourne from about 1898, and in 1901 understudied Nellie Stewart in Sydney. In 1905 she appeared in Melbourne and Sydney for Harry Rickards’ Variety Theatre as The Modern Milo in a series of poses described as a facsimile of Ancient and Modern Statuary and Sculpture. In 1906 she went to England and Europe, where through again exhibiting herself clad in next to naught, she revived public interest in living statues. In the first half of 1907 the Bishop of London called for the London Council to ban living statues, but at the Coventry Pageant in August 1907 La Milo enacted the role of Lady Godiva, riding a horse for five hours in pink fleshings under chiffon drapery and lengthy wig before 150,000 spectators including at least one incensed clergyman. In 1908 at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, she went through a ceremony of marriage to a man going by the name of Ferdinand Eggena. In 1910, the couple appeared in court along with a motor car agent named Percy Easton, the three accused of fraudulently deceiving a jeweller. Pansy Montague claimed that over the past three years, she had earned five thousand pounds a year and could buy herself all the jewels she wanted. She and Easton were acquitted, but Eggena was convicted. La Milo consistently laid claim to the integrity of her art, in 1910 stating There has been much opposition, much unkind criticism, which has pained me very much, and in a half-night of weeping has made me determine to give the whole business up. The only thing that has prevented me from doing so is the conscientious conviction that I am in the right. From late 1914 she toured America to packed houses. Soon after, however, she disappeared from the historical record; possibly, the war interrupted the supply of white paint which was made for her by a German chemist to simulate marble.

A prohibition was discussed in May 1907. There is still a good deal of uncertainty as to whether there will be a general prohibition of the living statuary exhibition throughout the country. La Milo, the premier posseuse, is billed to appear at Bradford this week, at the Empire, and on Saturday morning the chairman of the Watch Committee, Alderman H B Priestman, had a conference with the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale who this morning, at a meeting of the Fire Brigade and Licencing Committee, which has charge of such matters, will report against the exhibitions of living statuary, and suggest prohibition. It is probable that the licencing committee will resolve to visit the Empire before coming to any decision.[198]

The Empire theatre, Bradford, where la Milo is appearing this week, was crowded to excess at both performances last night. It so happened that a meeting of the Corporation Fire Brigade and Licencing Committee had been fixed for yesterday morning, when the subject of the agitation was informally mentioned, and the committee decided to see the performance before coming to any decision. Accordingly, at the first performance last night, the members of the committee and some of their wives, together with the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, were in attendance, when poses given by La Milo were Hebe, Canova’s Venus, the Venus de Milo, Sappho, Maidenhood, and Diana. At the close of her performance La Milo was accorded a hearty reception. Subsequently the members of the fire brigade and licencing committee held another meeting at the town hall, under the presidency of Alderman James freeman, when, after brief consideration of what they had seen, they passed unanimously the following resolution: “The committee visited the empire theatre, and witnessed the whole of the performance, and they observed no breach of the rules and regulations in force in the city with regard to dramatic licences.” La Milo’s performance will, therefore, be continued in Bradford.[199]

Under age drinking

In June 1901, Joseph Farndale made new law on the sale of beer to children under age, when he appealed a decision of the Stipendiary Magistrate to the appeal court[200]. The appeal established that beer could only be sold to children under 14 (ostensibly for their parents!) as bottled beer, and not in an empty bottle which was then corked and sealed by the publican. It might be recalled that Joseph’s father was a publican in Wakefield.

In December 1907 an important decision was made regarding children and public houses when Mr Muscat, appearing for the Commissioner of Police, at Tower Bridge, made an important statement in a case against Richard Simmons of the Coopers Arms public house, Bermondsey, of selling beer in an improperly sealed bottle to a child under 14 years. He said that an entirely new interpretation had been placed upon section one of the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act by a special case, Farndale v Dillon, which was decided by the divisional court on June 13th last. In that case it was decided by the Lord Chief Justice, Mr Justice Darling, and Mr Justice Lawrence, that a parent was not entitled to send a child under 14 years of age with a bottle, or any other receptacle, for intoxicating liquor, even though the publican afterwards corked it and re sealed it. By analogy it seemed to be manifest that the necessary sequence from the reasoning in that case was that the publican could not in law sell anything but the ordinary bottled beer or other bottles intoxicating liquor to children under 14 years of age. The Commissioner of Police has been advised that such was the effect of the decision, and he proposed to put it into operation. The bottom of the Act, so to speak, has been knocked out by various decisions protecting this the public and, but this was entirely new law, and would be acted upon at the first opportunity. The present case was not one upon which the point could be conveniently raised.[201]

Joseph and Emma’s Silver Wedding

Joseph and Emma’s Silver Wedding took place in May 1908.

A meeting of the Bradford City council was held at the Town Hall on 12 May 1908, the Lord Mayor, Mr. J E Fawcett, presiding. Alderman H B Priestman, chairman of the Watch Committee, said he had received a number of questions from Mr C A Glide with regard to a proposed silver wedding gift to the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He had hoped that Mr Glide would not have pressed these questions, but he was left with no alternative but to answer them.[202]

On the occasion of the silver wedding of the Chief Constable of Bradford and Mrs Farndale presentations from the city magistrates in the city police took place in the town hall on 1 June 1908.

In making the presentation on behalf of the magistrates this morning the Lord Mayor, Mr J F Fawcett, congratulated Mr and Mrs Farndale on the auspicious event, and trusted they would have very many happy years of happy married life. The chief constable had been with them for some time and had won the respect of all the magistrates of the city, and bearing in mind the work he had done, they desired to tend to him and to Mrs Farndale the two vases as a token of appreciation.

A solid silver centrepiece, having four flower vases and three sweet dishes, with pair flower vases to match, presented by the Bradford City police to the Chief Constable J Farndale Esquire and Mrs Farndale. To commemorate their silver wedding. 1883 - June 1st - 1908.[203]

A case of Murder

In August 1908, Joseph Farndale became involved in a significant murder case.

After three months, John William Ellwood, 41, insurance agent, of 68 Edinburgh Street, Listerhills, appeared again on Tuesday at the Bradford City court on the charge of causing the death of Thomas Wilkinson at the office of Messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett in Swaize Street on July 31st. The facts of the case are now fairly well known, for at the inquest last week, when a verdict of wilful murder was brought against the prisoner, the evidence was fully gone into. Witnesses told how they saw a man, thought to be Ellwood, enter the office with a parcel like a poker with which the crime was committed; how they saw him leave with without it, and walk away. The evidence as to his subsequent movements was somewhat conflicting, but he is believed to have been seen in various parts of the city, and have spoken about the crime to his friends and acquaintances. The charge was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and of his malice of forethought, kill and murder Thomas Wilkinson on July 31st 1908. The accommodation of the court was filled to its uttermost and hundreds were unable to gain admission. The prisoner’s wife and a few friends lingered in the corridors outside. The magistrates present were the stipendiary, Mr H W W Wilberforce , Mr CF Lowenthall, of London, prosecuted. He was instructed by Mr H R Watling. The police were represented by the Chief Constable Mr. J Farndale and Chief Detective Inspector Tolbert. Mr C L Atkinson again defended. Prisoner still unconcerned. When prisoner stepped into the dock he seemed as unconcerned as ever. Throughout he appeared not to notice the people, who were eyeing him keenly. He took a seat in the dock and made himself as comfortable as possible.[204]

How to deal with petroleum

The departmental committee on petroleum spirit met on 18 May 1909 at the Home Office. Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable at the city of Bradford, gave details of the working of the Petroleum Acts in Bradford. Mr C MacDonald, chief officer under the Petroleum Act for the city of Glasgow, considered that officers of the local authority should have power to seize patrol petroleum spirit under certain circumstances without warrant. Captain J de C Hamilton RN, retired, Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade, gave the requirements which he considered should be insisted upon for petroleum spirit tank waggons etc.[205]

Clemency

There was a tradition that a new Lord Mayor extended clemency to the first person to appear before him. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman W Land, made his official appearance at the City Court on 17 November 1909, where he was welcomed by Mr W A Whitehead, senior magistrate after the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale had spoken on behalf of the police, the Lord Mayor said that whilst they as magistrates were always determined to preserve justice and order, they were always desirous of tendering mercy in the administration of justice. In accordance with custom, his lordship extended clemency to the first person to appear before him, a tramp, who had been arrested for begging, and was discharged.[206]

Salary reached £1k

In February 1911, the Watch Committee of Bradford Corporation have decided to recommend the City Council to fix the maximum salary of the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, at £1,000 per annum to be reached by four annual advances of £50 each, dating from April 1st next.[207]

Mr Farndale’s Rules

There was some mockery when Joseph Farndale laid down the rules for boxing competitions in Bradford in August 1912. It would also appear that the proposed Blakeborough Kelly contest is to prove a fizzle. Up to the time of writing no purse offers have come to hand, and it has now been set forth that the men are prepared to engage in a contest under Mr Farndale's rules. Ye gods! What are we coming to when we are already asked to submit to the absurdity of seeing a grand sport like boxing carried out under the rules as laid down by a man who knows nothing of the game? It is more than an absurdity. It is monstrously unfair and totally un-English.[208]

I am grateful to Bradford Museums and Galleries[209] for letting me share this picture of Joseph Farndale from their collection dated 1911 and painted by John Snowden.

Illegal whist drives

Whist drives were illegal. Also in August 1912, Mr J Farndale, has intimated that the decision that whist drives at which prizes are played for are illegal will be acted upon in the city. As a consequence those interested in whist drives, which were very popular last winter, have formed a committee for mutual defence.[210]

A nuisance to motorists

The annual dinner of the Yorkshire Automobile Club was held at the Queens Hotel, Leeds on the evening of 27 January 1913 and the gathering was a very large and influential one. Pulling the strings, Alderman Wiley proposed the toast of “the visitors” in the characteristic speech. He said he was not going to pat the policeman on the back at all. He thought they were an unmitigated nuisance to the motorist, and he did not forget the chief constable who, pulled the strings of the prosecutions to which the iniquitous motorists were from time to time subjected. Mr. J Farndale, the chief constable of Bradford, responded to the toast.[211]

Carters’ strike

There were problems with a carters’ strike in Bradford in 1913 when extraordinary scenes in connection with the carters strikes at Bradford created a ferment of excitement in the principal streets of the city during the greater part of yesterday. The Lord Mayor, who had been out of town, returned to Bradford yesterday afternoon, and at once took steps with a view to bringing about a settlement of the dispute. First he had a meeting at the town hall with representatives of the Bradford Horse Owners Association, coal merchants and consumers’ association, the Chamber of Trade and the cooperative society. These gentlemen placed their views before his lordship, and practically agreed to accept him as arbitrator. Later on, four representatives of the Carter Union attended, and the Lord Mayor asked them if they were prepared to leave the matter in his hands. The reply was in the affirmative, providing the terms offered were reasonable.

When it became evident that there was a danger of a prolonged struggle, the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, in response to an urgent request from mill owners and merchants, made arrangements for an elaborate system of convoying goods under police escort from the railway station depots to their respective destinations. The appearance in the streets of large numbers of mounted police and the parade of practically the whole of the police force caused large crowds to gather, and these increased in the afternoon when the half holiday released thousands of shopkeepers and shop assistants. Indeed the strikers were completely outnumbered by sightseers who had turned out to see the fun. At ten o’clock processions of drays, chiefly laden with provisions, left the various depots. In each case mounted police led the way, and also brought up the rear, whilst a single file of police on foot walked on each side of the vehicles. There was a good deal of cheering and hooting, and occasionally there were conflicts between the escorts and the strikers, but the determined nature of the police arrangements and the fact that three men who had been arrested in connection with Monday’s disturbances had each been sentenced to three weeks hard labour, had the desired effect.[212]

The police are ready

In May 1913, the police arrangements are being very effectively carried out, the organisation at the headquarters being efficient and complete. Nearly the whole of the available forces on duty, and the rank and file are in readiness for any emergency at the town hall and at the police quarters at Aldermanbury. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has a wonderful faith in his own men, and it is commendable to note that he has not once considered the question of calling in outside help. For some time there has been a working agreement between Bradford, Leeds and Hull, by which it is possible for either of these authorities to summon assistance at a few hours’ notice and under this agreement the Bradford authority has already given help to other towns. Things would have come to a very bad state indeed before the Bradford Chief Constable would think of communicating with outsiders.[213]

Bradford’s big fire

The police were called to deal with Bradford’s big fire in September 1913. Huge crowds assembled in Cheapside to inspect the damage caused by the great Bradford fire on Wednesday night. The fire assessors from the various insurance companies concerned went over the building during the day, and having regard to the valuable nature of stock, it was computed that the damage would probably reach from £40,000 to £50,000. This is but one of a series of big fires in the Bradford district this year. It will unfortunately be a record year, the damage to date being somewhere near £250,000. Having regard to the large number of disastrous outbreaks, the question of incendiaries has naturally arisen in connection with the Cheapside fire. It was rumoured among certain gentlemen who were present at the scene of the fire that an anonymous communication had been received at the town hall threatening that other fires would take place on certain dates. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has, however, flatly denied that any such communication has been received. The detective force has made close investigations with a view to the possibility of incendiaries, but there is no evidence in that direction. It appears that all the doors of the building were securely locked at 7:45, and that the first flame was seen at 9.5 (sic). All the windows and doors were intact when the fire brigade arrived. Shortly after five o’clock last night an empty packing case was found to be on fire in the churchyard of Cloth Mills, Manchester Road, occupied by Messrs Armitage and Ibbetson. The fire was extinguished with a few buckets of water, but about ten 10 minutes past nine o’clock, a second packing case was found on fire outside the glass and China shop of Harry Jackson, Manchester Road, quite close to Claugh Mills. Both these outbreaks are attributed to the pranks of youthful incendiaries.[214]

The King’s Medal for Meritorious Service

In January 1914, Joseph Farndale was awarded the King’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The King’s Police Medal has been awarded to a number of officers of the police forces and fire brigades in the United Kingdom and Overseas Dominions. The rewards are made in recognition of meritorious service or conspicuous gallantry. Among the England and Wales recipients are Chief Constable Joseph Farndale (Bradford City Police).[215]

Every reason to be cheerful in 1914

Somewhat ominously, there followed the message on 1 January 1914, a Happy New Year to all our readers. There is no reason why we shouldn’t take a cheerful view of 1914.[216]

Stories about Joseph

In April 1914 Councillor Sowden said the occasion of the Watch Committee Speech was quite unique in character, and it was a tribute to the police force of the city that they should show their appreciation of the chief constable in the manner they were doing. It was 14 years since Mr Farndale came to Bradford, and since then many changes had taken place in the police service. The force when Mr Farndale took charge was 391 strong; Today it was full 448. The scale of pay had twice been revised on the recommendation of the chief, and in addition many facilities had been provided for the men to profit themselves for the ever increasing duties which they had to perform, including classes on police duty, first aid to the injured, lifesaving, and jujitsu instruction. Of the many occasions that had been granted, the most noteworthy was that of one days rest in seven. (Applause). Neither had the recreation of the force being overlooked, and of all the innovations made by the chief constable one of the most appreciated by the general public was that of the police band. He understood, proceeded councillor Sowden, that it was 31 years since Mr Farndale’s first appointment in a police force, that being at Halifax. After gaining promotion to successive grades of service he was, in 1895, appointed chief constable of Margate. At that time he was 29 years of age, and the youngest man in England holding such an honourable position. Four years later he was appointed chief constable of York, and three years later Bradford secured him. “I don't think we have ever had to regret that appointment,” concluded councillor Sowden.

By the way, Mr Farndale told two good stories of his early career.

It was during the time when the recruit did not receive any preliminary instructions. He was simply shown his beat and told how long he had to remain there. One “raw ‘un”, was informed that in eight hours he was expected to walk round eight times. He started on his duty like a professional walker, and then returned to the Town Hall. The Inspector asked him why he was not on his beat. The recruit’s reply was: “Well, I was told to walk round eight times, and I have done it, so I am going home.”

There is a similarity in the story about the recruit who was supposed to be on duty one very wild wintry night. When the Sergeant visited the beat he could not find the new constable, and eventually visited the man's home. He knocked at the door and the recruit’s head soon appeared at the bedroom window. Of course, he asked him why he was not on the beat, and was forced to laugh when the recruit answered, “But, Sergeant, there's no one aht; I thought it was no use me stopping aht a neet like this.”[217]

Children’s bad language

July 1914 saw a campaign against bad language by children in Bradford. References to drunkenness, foul language, and kindred vices in the city of Bradford were made by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, presiding over a meeting of 2,500 men in connection with Eastbrook hall, Wesleyan mission. The Chief Constable appealed to the men present to use all their influence in support of the temperance cause at Bradford. He regretted that his figures with regard to drink showed some increase, but he hoped that was not to be taken as a criterion of the insobriety of the city. There was another problem, the problem of Bradford’s young people, which was a very grave one. He trusted that the present purity crusade in the city would bear abundant fruit, because he was satisfied that there were was great need for such a campaign, especially among young people. (Hear, Hear). The bad language indulged in by sections of the citizens was deplorable. A particularly painful case came up in the Police Court recently. An individual took a child of about five summers up to a constable in the street and insisted upon the child using some very obscene language to the officer. The constable very properly took the man into custody, and he got the punishment he deserved. In conclusion, Mr Farndale urged the men of the Eastbrook mission to do all they could to put an end to the filthy language in Bradford.[218]

The Bradford authorities at the same time were very keenly alert about the protection of the children who, while on holidays spend their time in the parks. It is well known that a certain class of men infest parks where their conduct is a serious danger to children. Sir Arthur Godwin, formerly a member of the City Council, has interested himself in the question. He has two objections to the employment of men to protect women and children. His first is that the evidence the evil doers are very circumstance in their behaviour if they notice a man insight, and secondly, women and children are naturally averse to confide their troubles to a man full. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, did not care to express any opinion with regard to the suggestion.[219]

Wartime Policing

World War 1 broke out on 28 July 1914.

On 24 September 1914 a number of us were duly sworn in as special constables for the city of Bradford, but there is one little point upon which the members of the unpaid brigade are a little exercised in their minds. The chief constable explained that if, and when, we were called upon for active service, and there was good reason to hope that there would be no necessity for anything of the sort, we should receive badges of office, but, unless we misunderstood him, we shall get nothing of the kind until that day shall arrive. A question was addressed to Chief Constable Farndale on the point, but his answer was not quite clear.[220]

Very soon after the outbreak of War, Regulations were made in Defence of the Realm. At the end of September 1914 under the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914, Notice was hereby given that the Secretary of State has, by order, extended the area in which the Regulation here under set out is to be enforced to the whole of the United Kingdom. The regulation will therefore be forthwith strictly enforced within the city.

The regulation is as follows: “No person shall in any area which may be prescribed by order of a Secretary of State keep or have in his possession any carrier or homing pigeons, unless he is obtained from the Chief Officer of the Police of the district a permit for the purpose, which permit may at any time be revoked, and the Chief Constable of Police may, if he considers it necessary or expedient to do so, cause any pigeons kept in contravention of this regulation to be liberated.”

By order Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable.[221]

The Defence of the Realm Act 1914[222] gave the government wide ranging powers during the War, such as the power to requisition buildings or land needed for the war effort, or to make regulations creating criminal offences. The Act also conferred power to make Regulations during the War for the Defence of the Realm.

By October 1914, a Bradford Detective, the only Jewish policeman in the country at the time, was wounded on the Marne and died of his wounds. News has reached Bradford of the death of Maxwell Solomon, who before he went to the front was a Detective Officer in the Bradford City police force, and believed to be the only Jew policeman in the country. Solomon was of great value owing to his ability as a linguist. Before he joined the Force he was in the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards, and on the outbreak of war went out with the first Expeditionary force. He fought at Mons, and on the Marne, and received war wounds on the 17th of September, to which he has succumbed in hospital. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, personally visited Leeds in order to express to Solomon’s wife the sympathy of the Bradford police. Mrs Solomon lives with her mother in Richmond Road, Leeds.[223]

In the same month Notice was given by Joseph of the provisions of the Aliens Restriction (Change of Names Order) 1914[224] extending and amending the Aliens Restriction (Consolidation) Order 1914[225].

Belgian refugees

That same month, Bradford received hundreds of Belgian refugees. Amazing street scenes marked the arrival in Bradford last night of 230 Belgian refugees. It is indeed, to be questioned whether on any previous occasion the heart of the city has presented such a sight as it did in this instant, and it is doubly doubtful whether the people themselves have ever been stirred to such sympathy as has been aroused by the victims of the modern Attila and his hordes. The station was packed with people who had managed to elude the directions that only passengers by local trains should be admitted and on the platform was gathered a representative company of citizens including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Mr. J Farndale, chief constable.

A stirring ceremony

There was a stirring ceremony on 20 October 1914 when the Terriers’ Colours were handed over to the Lord Mayor. The sound of bugles and the sight of a large company of khaki clad men marching through the streets attracted the attention of Bradford citizens for this morning, and a big crowd followed the soldiers to the town hall square to see the ceremony which was performed there. And well rewarded, too, they were, for they saw a smart parade and a military function of an unusual character. The soldiers were the men of the 6th Reserve Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, and the object of their special parade, was the handing over of the colours of the 6th Battalion to the Lord Mayor for safekeeping. On arriving in the square, the men, who were under command of the Lieutenant Colonel Hastings, with Major Speight, commander of the depot, and Captain WPM Scott, formed up as three sides of a square round the main entrance of the town hall, with the bugles to the right and the colour party, consisting of Lieutenant Appleby, Lieutenant Fell, Sergeant Major Brough, Colour Sergeant Johnson, Colour Sergeant Gavirts, and Colour Sergeant Kemp all in full dress uniform, in the centre, with the two regimental banners. On the town hall steps a large number of representative citizens had assembled amongst others present being the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale.[226]

Wartime licensing hours and football restrictions

By November 1914, licensing hour restrictions during wartime were being considered. At the weekly sitting of the Bradford licencing justices at the town hall this morning, Mr S P Myers presiding, reference was made to the hours during which licenced houses remain open and the hours during which soldiers may be served. Mr W A Whitehead, addressing the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked if he was prepared to make his statement with regard to the city since the outbreak of the war. The Chief Constable, in reply, said, as requested, he had to report that during the last three months since the outbreak of war, August, September, and October, the number of persons proceeded against was as follows: That proved that the condition of things was satisfactory, and that the state of drunkenness during this exciting time was normal. He might say, as the justices were aware, that recent legislation in licencing matters gave him the power, if he found it essential at any time, to apply to the justices for a restriction of the hours of sale of intoxicating liquors in public houses and clubs. He might say, however, that he had no intention of doing that, having regard first to the state of drunkenness as shown by the returns, and further because the licence holders of the city had, in conjunction with the commanding officers, representing the military authorities, agreed to certain restricted hours for the serving of soldiers.[227]

Joseph Farndale was not a fan on restrictions on football which were being proposed. He felt that the absence of events such as football matches tended to cause more drunkenness.: Interviewed on 26 November 1914 by a member of our staff on the question of the effect which the stopping of football would be likely to have on the amount of drinking in this city, Mr. J Farndale, the chief constable, had no objection to discussing the matter. He had always, he reminded his interview, expressed strong views that the interest taken in football had done a great deal to decrease drinking in Bradford, more particularly among the working classes. Upon that he was emphatic. While he wished it to be understood that he expressed no opinion whatever on the present crusade against the game, he agreed that if it was stopped, it would not be without its effect on the city. Formerly, before football gained the hold it now had upon the people, working men went from their work on a Saturday afternoon straight to the public houses, still in their working clothes, and there they would ‘stand their corners’, with results which would be obvious, and too often it would mean that they would forget (?)  to take their wages home.[228]

In January 1915, restrictions on drinking hours were imposed. The early closing of public houses at Bradford, in accordance with an order issued by the military authorities, began amid many protests and much discussion. Confusion has arisen as to the extent exact meaning of the order, especially on the point as to whether licences were allowed to keep open their houses after 9pm, the hour prescribed in the order for the suspension of the sale of intoxicants, for the sale of non intoxicants and food. Another point is whether extension of hours would be granted by magistrates to hotel keepers catering for public dinners. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked yesterday by the Mercury correspondent to clear up these points, said the Justices had decided that they would not grant any extension of hours for any purpose whatever. In the case of a dinner being held at a hotel, the guests must cease to consume intoxicants at 9pm, but they may remain till 11pm to smoke, make speeches, or drink non intoxicants. As to the obligation to close public houses altogether at 9pm, Mr Farndale said that licence holders were not bound to do so by law, but he should think, that as a matter of policy they would be well advised to close their doors at that hour. The Bradford Wine, Beer and Spirit Trades Protection and Benevolent Association, which has a membership of 300, have decided to close their doors at 9pm while the order is in force.[229]

Wartime crime

On 4 June 1915 the Bradford City police caught a 27 year old Private soldier, a member of the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire regiment, pleaded guilty to three charges of obtaining food by false pretences. He went to three houses where borders were kept, and on the false representation that he had come from various places to act as a drill instructor at Bellevue barracks, he obtained food for several days. It appeared that the prisoner had been convicted of stealing an overcoat in 1912. He joined the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment in January this year, and has been before the court on one occasion for being an absentee. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, stated that if the man's previous convictions had been known he would not have been allowed to join the army. The prisoner was sent to gaol for one month.[230]

The trophy in Bradford

A captured German Field Gun was proudly paraded through Bradford in December 1915. A 77 mm German field gun captured at the battle of Loos is to be an exhibition in front of the town hall at Bradford from tomorrow for some days. The reception of the gun is to be made the occasion of a public ceremony. At the city boundary at Thornbury there will be a procession formed for accompanying the gun to the city square. The procession will be headed by mounted police, who will be followed by the police band, 24 mounted men, and 130 on foot of the Army Service Corps at Bradford Moor Barracks, the Lord Mayor, Mr. T Haworth mounted, and wearing the uniform of the Bradford City volunteer force, who will be accompanied by Major Hazlerigg, commanding the depot, ASC, at Bradford more barracks, and Major Priestley, commanding the 3-2 West Riding Brigade RFA, and the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.[231]

Policemen join the army

Joseph Farndale did not object to policemen attesting into the Army. Group enlistments fell off considerably in Leeds today, and the change was somewhat unexpected after the briskness which marked recruiting yesterday. Quite a large number of Leeds men are joining the Royal Navy division. Recruits who have enrolled in the Army Reserve groups are allowed the privilege of transferring into the Royal Navy division. Today is the last date on which men of groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 may lodge claims for postponement of service, and the offices of the local tribunal in Great George Street will remain open until 9pm this evening for the reception of claims. Already a very large number have been lodged. The tribunal is still occupied with the consideration of the affairs of men in the first full groups. At Bradford today recruiting under the Derby scheme was brisker than yesterday, but married men still preponderate. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, having received from headquarters the guarantees necessary to him in regard to the maintenance of the efficiency of service, has given his permission to all eligible members of the force to attest.[232]

Patriotism

Patriotism was encouraged in Bradford at the second anniversary of the outbreak of War. 4 August 1916 was the second anniversary of the declaration of the war, and the occasion was marked in many towns by public gatherings, at which the determination of the people to carry on the fight to victory found expression. Several thousands of citizens in Bradford assembled in front of the town hall yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of participating in a demonstration of determination to continue the war to a victorious end. Above the main entrance flags of the allies were draped and beneath was a large platform on which work there were assembled the Lord Mayor, Mr Thomas Haworth, the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.[233]

Princess Marie Louise inspects Bradford’s War Activities. A party of distinguished people accompanied Princess Mary Louise on her tour of Bradford’s war activities yesterday. Our picture shows the visitors grouped beside the YMCA. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale is on the left.[234]

Service for the Fallen

A memorial service for the Fallen was held in July 1917. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Abraham Peel, and many prominent citizens attended the parish church yesterday afternoon on the occasion of a memorial service for all who had fallen in the war, and particularly those from the city of Bradford. An imposing procession was formed at the town hall and it included a considerable number of officers and men from the local volunteer battalions, the National Motor Volunteers, and the Legion of Frontiersmen. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, marshalled the proceeding which was led by mounted police. The police band and the city volunteers also were in attendance. The vicar, in the course of an eloquent dress, said: “There is a hush over the city life today, politics are dead, businesses forgotten, and other things that divide us are laid aside. As one great family we come to the ancient House of Prayer to mourn and to sympathise.”[235]

Raising funds for cruisers

In March 1918, Bradford’s task was to raise two cruisers on the value of £800,000, and the city which justly pride itself in its patriotic response to national funds, subscribed the money for five, the grand total of investments for the week amounting to £2,010, 000. The total on Saturday was £509, 087. The Lord Mayor announced the achievement from a temporary platform at the tower entrance of the exchange. Accompanying him were Mr Joseph Farndale and others.[236]

A royal visit

The King and Queen visited the Saltaire Mills in May 1918[237]. By coincidence the Royal Party were at the Sir Titus Salt Bart & Sons, spinners and manufacturers at the Saltaire Village between 3.05 and 3.40pm where James Farndale, a distant relative, was the drawing foreman.

Inter War Years

Joseph Farndale was made an OBE in 1920[238].

Joseph Farndale at his award of OBE in 1920         Joseph Farndale’s Coat of Arms, as Chief Constable of Bradford       Leeds Investiture. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford, who received the OBE

Factory morals

There was concern in 1920 about factory morals. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, speaking in that city yesterday, said there was too much looseness permitted amongst the opposite sex in factories. There was undo familiarity between boys and girls, he declared. It grew until they came to manhood and womanhood, then disaster followed. Responsible persons in factories should check that freedom of speech between young people. It was unfortunate that those who employed them did not give greater attention to that phase of city life.[239]

No worry about the cinema trade

By 1919, Joseph Farndale was acting in a licensing and censorship capacity in respect of the new cinemas. It was stated at the annual licensing sessions held on June 25 that there were 40 places licenced under the Kinematograph Act 1909, a decrease of one. Of these, 26 held annual licences and 11 dramatic licences. The chief constable, J Farndale, said that the conduct of all these places had been good.[240]

In September 1921 the Lord Mayor and Sir William Wade responded to “Prosperity to the city of Bradford” (proposed by Mr H Hibbert), and Mr Farndale, chief constable, said he was glad to say that in Bradford the authorities had had no trouble with the cinema trade. He had left the standard of pictures to the exhibitors, and both he and the licencing committee were more than satisfied. (Applause).[241]

Joseph Farndale (Chief Constable of Bradford) said that although it might not be known generally, it was a fact that there had never been a picture turned down by the Bradford authorities. That was due to the standard set by men like Henry Hibbert and Sydney Carter, who were pioneers in Bradford and in the country. The police were not out to worry the industry. They were only concerned in the welfare of the people, especially the young. The charge of showing things not good for young people could not be levelled against the picture houses of Bradford. As a censor of pictures, said the chief constable, his trouble was the standard and thereafter, to be quite honest, he had left the standard to the Trade and with that standard in Bradford the authorities were quite satisfied.[242]

The perils of fancy dress costumes made of cotton wool

The police were concerned about a growing trend to make fancy dress costumes from cotton wool in 1922. Emphasis was laid at the Bradford Licencing Court on Wednesday up on the dangers of wearing fancy dresses made of cotton wool at dances. An application was made by a local football club for a dancing licencing connection with a fancy dress bull to be given shortly at St Chads schools, Bradford. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, told the applicant that a licence could only be granted if an undertaking were given that no cotton wool, or other inflammable material, would be used on any of the fancy dresses. Mr Farndale reminded the Court that on New Year Eve, a young Bradford girl was burnt to death owing to her costume, which was made almost entirely of cotton wool, catching fire. The applicant promised that no such materials would be allowed, and the licence was granted.[243]

Drinking and driving

There was an early drunk driving offence in October 1922 when a textile finisher aged 47, carrying on business at Wind Hill, and residing at Bingley, both near Bradford, was remanded on Saturday at Bradford on a charge of being drunk in charge for motor vehicle, when an accident occurred in which two men were injured, in the early hours of Friday morning, and one of them died on Saturday morning. Chief constable Farndale, stating the circumstances, said that early on Friday morning two taxi drivers, William George Gledhill of Tudor Street, Bradford, and George Margerson, of Intake Road, Bradford, were fixing spare wheels to a motor car in Manningham Lane. Their lights were burning, and they were under a lighted street lamp. The prisoner approached in another car at a rapid rate, and did not stop, although warned by an onlooker. He ran into the stationary motor car, and Gledhill sustained a fracture of the skull and Margerson had a broken leg. Both were taken to the Infirmary, and Gledhill died on Saturday. Mr Farndale said that the accused did not stop after the accident, although summoned to do so by a policeman. He nearly charged into his officer. Later other police officers called on him to stop, but he did not do so. A sixth policemen, however, boarded the footboard, half a mile away, and caused the prisoner to stop. He found him to be drunk. The accused was remanded being allowed bail himself at £1000 and two securities of £500 each.[244]

The controversy of a wireless set installed in a pub to play music

In March 1923 a Leeds publican who had applied for permission to install a wireless set in his public house has aroused considerable opposition and attracted some support. It is evident that if a large number of people have their way the “listen in” will not be a sign which will be very prominent in Leeds just yet. Amongst those who oppose the idea is the Reverend WJ Tunbridge, of the Oxford place Wesleyan Chapel, who states that he objects chiefly because he thinks it will make a special appeal to the young people. Several other people engaged in work of a religious or temperance nature oppose the suggestion on the ground that it will encourage drinking. As against that, a Leeds publican in a large way of business, roundly condemns such opposition. He stated that the innovation would not make for more drinking, and suggested that it would be as well if those who are opposed to such installations in public houses would consider the introduction of sets into the Sunday schools and churches. He imagined it might increase their popularity. In other towns the matter is being warmly discussed. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale said that looking on the question on broad lines he did not see how the justices could refuse licences for the installation of the listening-in sets provided that the licence holder installed the apparatus in a room in his house which was licenced for music. He expressed the opinion that there was no necessity in such a case for him to get another music licence for a wireless installation.[245]

Foiling a currency theft

In April 1923 the Bradford bullion box thieves did not get away with even a ten shilling note of their £17,500 haul is placed beyond doubt in consequence of counting operations which took place in the Bradford chief constable’s office on Saturday. The 20,000 currency notes recovered from the vacant brewery, where they had been hidden by thieves, were sorted and checked by a staff of bank clerks, all of whom had a number of red taped bundles before them, each containing £500. Some of these appeared to have been tampered with, but it was found that in every case the contents were intact. The wealth was formally handed over by the chairman of the Watch Committee, Mr H A H Roads, and the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, to representatives of the National Union and Provincial Nank, and immediately afterwards the money was transferred to the strong rooms of the Market Street branch, to which the bullion box was originally consigned. The police have not yet laid their hands upon either the culprits or the box itself, but careful inquiries have at length yielded trace of the latter.[246]

The visit of the Prince of Wales

There was a visit by the Prince of Wales in May 1923[247].

Mrs J Farndale, wife of the Chief Constable of Bradford, 1923[248]

Bradford Ladies were presented to the Prince of Wales. Subsequently, in the Chief Magistrate 's room, a number of prominent ladies and gentlemen were presented to His Royal Highness as follows: Lady Barnby, Sir Francis and Lady Watson, Mrs Farndale and others[249].

A serious mill collapse

January 1924 saw a terrible mill collapse in Bradford. A mill is reported to have collapsed at Bradford, Yorkshire, today, resulting in loss of life and injuries to many work people. One of the first messages states that one person is dead, that seventeen people have been taken from the wreckage more or less seriously injured, and that 30 or 40 people were buried. A later telegram says: the upper floor of a spinning wheel in Wharfe Street, Bradford, occupied by Messrs G H Leather Limited, spinners, collapsed. Heavy masses of machinery crashed through the doors beneath and a large number of work people were buried in the debris. Large numbers of police and firemen under Chief Constable Farndale and chief officer Scott are working feverishly to render aid to the work people still imprisoned in the ruins. Masses of heavy spinning machinery are being dragged up from the basement by ropes. 30 to 40 men were pulling on the ropes at one period. The police, fearing another fall, cleared all the helpers out of the building. One helper was almost hysterical because just before the order was given he had found a woman pinned beneath the massive timber. The scenes in the facility of the mill were tragic in the extreme. Groans could be heard coming from the pile of debris. The disaster was reminiscent of the Newlands Mill disaster at Bradford in 1882, when 54 lives were lost. The Reverend W E Cunliffe, vicar of the parish in which the mill stands, was quickly on the scene and offered a prayer in the building as the rescue work preceded. Elizabeth Dawson, of Ripon Street, who has been employed in the mill for two years, was the nearest worker to escape injury. She states that a girl beside her went through the floor. There was no warning she told the police a press representative. “The first thing I heard was a great noise. For an instant I thought it was the machinery running away commerce it sometimes does, but I soon realised something awful had happened. The frame next to mine and the girl working it went down, and so did others. I was paralysed with terror and rooted to the spot as my mates vanished. I saw that the control of the floor had gone, but the girl at each seemed to be safe.”[250]

Immediately after the catastrophe, the police, fire brigade, ambulances, doctors cover nurses and others likely to be of assistance were summoned. Soon the mill yard was full of ambulances and motor cars cover and doctors and nurses were continually arriving. Chief officer Scott took command of the rescue operations and he was later that later assisted by chief constable the chief constable, Mr Joseph farndale, and Superintendent Turner. It was soon apparent that the task of removing the wreckage would be one of extreme difficulty and delicacy, because most of the imprisoned men and women were in the centre of the debris, and the slightest slip by the rescuers or the unfortunate displacement of a single piece of wood might have led to an increase of the death roll.[251]

A gruesome murder

There was another gruesome murder case in Bradford in February 1924. The man seized by Bradford police late last night in connection with the murder of Mrs Reaney was formally charged at 5:45 this morning with the murder. Later he was taken to the magistrates and remanded. His name was given and he was aged 47, of Howard Street, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, and he described himself as an engineer. From about midnight until 4:30 this morning the police were engaged in searching the house of the accused man and they returned to the town hall taking with them a quantity of goods of which they had taken possession. The accused is a man of pale complexion, with the hair going a little grey. The charge against him was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and with malice aforethought, kill and murder one Elizabeth Reaney, between 9pm on February 22 at 8:30pm on February 23. The charge sheet recorded the fact that the sum of £16 was found in the prisoner's possession. Inspector Wardell appeared in the dock and the chief constable Mr Joseph Farndale said that in view of the charge proffered against the prisoner he had had to ask for a remand in custody for eight days. The prisoner: “Can I have bail sir?”. The stipendiary magistrate “no”. A remand and was granted. Information which led to the accused’s arrest was given by a hairdresser, who, in the course of an interview today, said that the accused called it his shop on Tuesday morning for a shave. He had a heavy growth of beard, and one eye was badly discoloured. The hairdresser asked jokingly whether his wife had hit him with a flat iron, and he replied that he had fallen from a tram car. He thought nothing more of the incident until he saw the police description, and then he gave the information to the police. The prisoner is a married man, but has been living apart from his wife during the past two years. He resided for eight years in the home in which he was arrested.[252]

CBE

Joseph Farndale was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) (“CBE”) in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 1924. Included in the Kings’ honours list today is an award to Mr Joseph Farndale, OBE, Chief Constable of Bradford. He is being made a Companion of the Order of the British Empire (civil division). Mr Farndale was formerly a Halifax policeman and native of Wakefield, he joined the Halifax force on attaining his majority, about 1883, gained rapid promotion and rose to Inspector. In June 1893 he was appointed Chief Constable Margate, and after a stay of three years became Chief Constable of York. In June 1900 he secured his present position, and in April 1921 was decorated with the Order of the British Empire.[253]

Traffic problems and street congestion

By 1924, Bradford was having to deal with significant traffic problems. Some notable indications of the growth of Bradford’s traffic problems are given in a report on the subject by chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. A special committee of the watch committee is considering means of dealing with the problem. Since 1924 the number of persons killed or injured by motor vehicles in Bradford has increased by 173% and in the same period the number of motor vehicles registered or licenced have increased by 1,225%.[254]

The Chief Constable of Bradford has issued a voluminous report on street congestion and the possible ways in which it may be alleviated. His strong point is that “The streets are not of sufficient width to meet the present traffic requirements, unless some restrictions are imposed by legislation upon the user of defined streets.” Bradford was constructed when traffic requirements were comparatively small and many of its streets were inadequate for the present and rapidly increasing pressure of motor traction, but it may be remarked incidentally, Halifax is much older town and, owing to its narrow streets, it awkward corners and its stiff gradients, its plight is far worse than that of its neighbour. Hence the importance of Mr Farndale’s suggestions, for we shall have to face the problem boldly one of these days. Mr Farndale emphasises the difficulties created by the trams upon fixed tracks, a point of which we have often referred. He regards this as a serious obstruction to free movement, for it frequently holds up progress or drives parking vehicles onto the off side of the road and creates congestion. The loading of heavy vehicles at warehouses is another frequent cause of delay and this can only be obviated by structural alterations, not always possible, which would permit of such work being done in quieter byways. Mr Farndale makes a number of suggestions. The first essential is that slow moving traffic should be kept to the left or near side of the road, but there are few streets that will accommodate three parallel lines of traffic and that means the constant holding up of speedier vehicles by the slow traffic. Hence the idea of prescribed streets for classified through and local traffic. The essential heavy and slow vehicles should be kept clear of the centre of town with prescribed routes for their journeys. It is also suggested that certain streets might be scheduled as “one way” streets during certain hours, the practical difficulty here is that parallel streets within reasonable distance of each other should be available. Mr Farndale also points out that excellent service in the cause of safety could be given by the in inclination of “safety first” methods in school teaching. And he touches on the speed limit idea, which is being mooted for Halifax through a special resolution at tomorrow night's council meeting. He quotes the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles as saying that the imposition of a fixed speed limit is not the most effective method of ensuring the safety of the public, suggesting in populous areas and dangerous places the institution of a standard form of cautionary sign.[255]

The Inspection

Major General Atchorley inspected 320 officers and men of the Bradford police yesterday at the Bellevue barracks. He is seen, in bowler hat, with Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of Bradford, and officers of the force. Joseph Farndale is third from left behind Major General Atchorley in the bowler hat.[256]

Joseph unwell

Joseph Farndale was unwell in 1925 and had to have an operation. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale CBE, through indisposition missed a meeting of the watch committee yesterday, for the first time since his appointment nearly 25 years ago. Mr Farndale completes a quarter of a century service with the Bradford police force next month.[257]

Joseph advocates a national approach to traffic regulation

By 1925, Joseph was becoming very interested in traffic control as the roads faced increasing problems of congestion. Joseph was instrumental in the recognition of a need for national rather than local traffic rules. Recommendations of considerable importance for dealing with the traffic problem are contained in the report of the committee of representatives of the police forces in Great Britain and of road users, which was issued on Saturday by the stationary office. The committee, which conducted an exhaustive inquiry into “present day traffic problems from the police and road users point of view,” was presided over by Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford. In summarising their conclusions, the committee states that the development of the use of mechanically propelled vehicles have become more and more a matter of national rather than local concern, which makes it desirable that there should be more uniformity in the law relating to the regulation and control of traffic. Traffic being no longer local in character, it is well nigh impossible for drivers and others who use the highway to recognise boundaries and become informed of the several local requirements when boundaries are reached. Regulations for the control of traffic should be consolidated, amended, and brought up to date, and made uniform throughout the country. Any powers dealing with the regulation and control of all classes of traffic should be of general application by an Act of Parliament, and not under local acts or by laws. On the question of the mechanical transport generally, the committee refer to pillion riding on motorcycles, and stated: “we have considered this subject, but are of the opinion that it should not be further proceeded with, and make no recommendation here on.” The general opinion is also expressed that no motor coach or large omnibus with more than 14 seats should be permitted to be driven on unsuitable by-roads. The committee also considered the obstruction and delay caused by heavy motor cars caused owing to the ability of drivers of certain heavy motor cars to hear or see the signal given by drivers desiring to overtake them, and recommend that the ministry of transport should promote legislation on the matter as early as possible. Attention is also called to the necessity of an efficient brake on every pedal cycle. The committee strongly urged that all points where traffic constables are stationed should be well illuminated. They suggest the wearing of white gloves by all traffic duty constables, but do not consider that the wearing of white mackintoshes would be of any material advantage. Being of opinion that cab stands in busy streets take up road space, and crawling cabs are a great nuisance, they recommend: (a) that a greater number of cab stands be provided, where it can be done without causing obstruction; (b) that the number of cabs on anyone stand be limited; and (c) that more cab stands should be linked up with the telephone system.[258]

The battle of the buses

In December 1925 statements that Bradford shopkeepers are losing trade to Leeds because of the lack of travelling facilities into the city, was made here today, when an Inspector of the Ministry of Transport, Mr R H Tollerton, conducted an inquiry into another appeal by the West Riding Automobile Company against the decision of the Bradford Corporation not to allow them to run motorbuses from Wakefield, past the city boundary at Drighlington, into the centre of Bradford. The opening of the inquiry marked the renewal of the “battle of the buses”. Bradford and West Riding bus companies regard the appeal as a “test case” on the results of which hangs the fate of their own applications. A year ago the ministry upheld an appeal by the West Riding Automobile Company, and stated its intention of issuing an order compelling the corporation to go up licences, but did not do so comment the licencing year having expired meantime.... the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked by Mr Beaumont if he approved of the running of omnibuses by the Corporation, said he certainly did not. “I don't approve of the trams running in the centre of the city,” he said. “if I had my way, I would take them out of the streets altogether.” The ministry's decision will be known in due course.[259]

Safety First Initiative

A new ‘Safety First’ initiative began in 1926, which Joseph later became very involved with. Some interesting figures and comments on the recent startling increases in street accidents were given at a meeting of representatives of all sections of the community held at the Bradford Town Hall yesterday, at which it was decided to inaugurate a local “safety first” council, to be affiliated to the national “safety first” association. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, said he despaired of educating the present generation. Pedestrians would wander about the roads like the domestic fowl, though even that bird was now better educated and at least got out of the way. It was a remarkable thing that accidents were the fewest during the “peak times” of traffic.[260]

Self regulation of cinemas, but films should be ‘elevating’, not comedy

Joseph Farndale was a supporter of self regulation in cinemas, though still had quite conservative views about what they should be showing. In March 1927 the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, interviewed on the subject, a day or two ago, said that he had been in favour of cinema performances for years. “It would be better for the morals of the young people,” he said, “to keep them off the streets. It would be for their general well being.” The Chief Constable went on to remark that he would like to have cinemas open generally, not isolated picture houses here and there, although he would restrict the entertainment to the exhibition of suitable films. “Naturally,” he added, “comedy would be barred; The films would be of an elevating type.”[261]

Prison reform

“We are the catch ‘em and keep ‘em society,” said the Governor of Armley Prison, Mr S N Roberts, in September 1927, referring to himself and Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford. They both spoke at the Eastbrook Wesleyan brotherhood, yesterday, the Chief Constable being in the chair. Mr. Roberts said that the prisons were receiving a different type of person than they got many years ago. “That is partly due,” he said, “to the lives so many young folks live. So many of them get into the habit of spending 25s for every pound they earn, and there is bound to be a crash. Unfortunately some of them land into our hands. If we treat them as having made mistake, and not as being really wicked, I think we shall be able to help them.” Mr. Roberts added that people had no right to expect a discharged prisoner to make further payment after he had paid the price the law demanded.[262]

Congratulations from the Duke of York

In April 1928, the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received the following telegram from the Duke of York, respecting the police arrangements for the Royal visit to the city on Friday: “Warmly congratulate you and all concerned on the admirable arrangements made today. Was much impressed by the appearance and efficiency of the police. Albert.”[263]

Police Athletics

Joseph was the first chairman of the new Police Athletics Association, formed in 1928. The police forces in England, Scotland and Wales are being asked to take part in a great athletic festival, to be heard on held on August 11, at the Liverpool Police athletic ground. The Police Athletic Association has just been formed, and the Prince of Wales is the first patron, the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, is chairman, and Mr H Rich, chief constable of Middlesbrough, honourable secretary and, the joint presidents being the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for Scotland. The first annual champ championship sports to be held as stated at Liverpool are open to all police forces in Great Britain that are affiliated to the PAA. The new Association will be affiliated to the AAA, SAAA, NCU, and NAWA. 17 championships will be decided, including sprints, flat races, relay, walking match, long and high jump, cycle and hurdle races, wrestling, putting the shot, and throwing the hammer. The winner of each championship will hold the trophy for one year. The man who has brought to a successful issue the new organisation is the Superintendent of Selby police, Superintendent H Aspinall, who is corresponding secretary of the competition.[264]

A prohibition on masks at fancy dress dinners

There was some confusion in 1929 about the permissibility of mask wearing. Someone is trying to settle the Bradford Watch Committee with the reputation of “killjoy.” When the Bradford Automobile Club sent a circular announcing its fancy dress dinner dance to the Bradford office of the Leeds Mercury today, a Reporter was set wondering by a footnote reading: “the Bradford Watch Committee prohibits the use of masks.” although the Watch Committee has much to do, including “the execution of all duties and the exercising of the powers devolving upon or exercisable by the Council under the Chimney Sweepers Acts, Explosive Acts, Performing Animals Acts,” and so on, censorship of fancy dress costumes appears to be no part of its duties, unless of course it comes under the Wild Birds Protection Acts, 1882 at 1908. Mr George Muff, a member of the committee, told the Reporter he knew of no such ban on masks. “I can only suggest that as there are so many love matches made at fancy dress balls, the Chief Constable thinks people should make them with their eyes open; and seeing that so much of the rest of the body is visible it would be a pity to cover up the face.” he said. “A mask gives a fellow like me a chance to get hold of a pretty girl for a dance, and it gives a girl with neither good looks nor anything else the hope of getting off for a dance, if not for good.” The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said: “I don't know that we make any reservations about masks. What happens is this: that the licences of dance rooms are held responsible to the justices as to the costumes, and possibly, therefore, they feel their licences would be endangered if any complaint were made as to the doings of any person present. It is a matter for the management.” The Midland Hotel, where the Automobile Club Dance will be held, knows nothing of the alleged “prohibition” and no stipulation is made by the management.[265]

Inventor of the Police Box

Joseph Farndale was the inventor of the police box, and therefore the Tardis.

Several Yorkshire towns are greatly interested in Bradford's discovery that the man who invented the police boxes with which, as in the case of other places throughout the country, that city is shortly to be “ringed”, is its own chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He has just revealed that he was the first to suggest such a scheme, in a talk with a government inspector six or seven years ago. Mr Farndale is a native of Wakefield, where he was born 65 years ago, and he attended the Field House Academy, Aberford. Attracted by a police career he joined the Halifax force when he was 20 years of age, and in 1893, when he had risen to be second in command at Halifax, was appointed chief constable of Margate. After four years Mr Farndale became chief constable of York, and in 1900 succeeded Mr Roderick Ross as Chief Constable of Bradford, where a feature of his administration has been his provision for the organised recreation of members of the force.[266]

Police Stations in Miniature. Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, who is a native of Wakefield, should, I am told, be a proud man when London adopts the police telephone boxes that already “ring” several cities in the provinces, including Newcastle and Manchester, and will shortly be installed at Bradford. The idea of these miniature police stations, kiosk shaped, and equipped with a telephone, desk and red warning lamp outside the four policemen on patrol, came first from Mr Farndale, who suggested them when a government inspector visited Bradford six years ago to inspect the cities 12 district police stations. Talk turned on the convenience of the stations, and Mr Farndale explained that by his police box system there could be a police service at as many as 100 points in the city, instead of the present 12 points. The plan was tried at Sunderland and other places, and now London is to make a start with seventy of the boxes. It is hoped that they will prove to be as convenient to reach as fire alarm boxes. Mr Farndale started his police career at Halifax in 1884, and became chief constable at Bradford in 1900 after three years as chief constable of York.[267]

The Prince of Wales comes back

Another visit to Bradford by the Prince of Wales in November 1929. Bradford citizens are ready to give a Royal Yorkshire welcome to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on his visit to the city today. The Prince last visited not the prince's last visit was in 1923, when he opened the new buildings at the Royal Institution for the Blind at Frizinghall and distributed cheques to representatives of the local hospitals... The Prince will be met at the Exchange Station by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Angus H Rhodes, the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale and others.[268]

A portrait of Robert Peel for the Home Office

Joseph Farndale presented a portrait of Sir Robert Peel to the Home Office on behalf of the county and borough police in November 1929. A painting of Sir Robert Peel was presented to the Home Office on Thursday last week by the county and borough police forces of England and Wales to express their congratulations to the Metropolitan Police force on reaching its centenary. The picture is a full length life-size portrait in oils, which HW Pickersgill RA, painted just a century ago when Sir Robert Peel was home secretary. He is shown holding in his right hand a document on which is inscribed: “the Metropolitan Police draught bill.” Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable Bradford, made the presentation, and the Home Secretary, in reply, said that Sir Robert had built better than he knew, and the general social system had strengthened the reasons which caused him to act at that time. The police force was now an army of more than 60,690 men. The gift would be treasured as a portrait in its proper place of a very great man.[269]

New parking grounds to alleviate congestion

In the same month, to obviate congestion by motorists, the Chief Constable of Bradford cover Mr Joseph Farndale, has added eight parking grounds to the list of 38 which previously existed. Motorists attending the football matches that Valley Parade will now be able to leave their cars on the ground which stretches from Cornwall Road to Trafalgar Street, and patrons of the Prince’s Theatre will be able to park their vehicles on the ground in St John Street. Other grounds are in Upper Kirkgate, Rawson Road, Randall Well Street, Thurnscoe Road, Midland Road and Trinity Road.[270]

Drunkenness and drink spiking

In 1930, Joseph had turned his attention back to intoxicants and drunkenness, particularly where intoxicants were quietly added to ginger beer. Mention of signs made by public house customers when they want “something in” their ginger ale, was made by the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, giving evidence before the Royal Commission on Licencing, in London, today.  Mr Farndale suggested that there should be a return to the old system whereby police, finding persons on licenced premises in non permitted hours, should be able to call on them to satisfy a court that they were there legally.  “When we find persons on licenced premises during non permitted hours now,” he said, “Unless we can prove consumption of intoxicants they are committing no offence”.  He suggested that drinking went on behind locked doors during closing hours, when to all outward appearances the public houses were closed, and added: “If the police visit a house in the afternoon, one of the favourite drinks is ginger ale, and it is difficult for the police to prove there are intoxicants in it. There are certain signs between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger ale.”

“It is my opinion that the wave of sobriety immediately after the after the War is now moving in the opposite direction, and drunkenness is increasing.” Mr Gerald France: “In what class of community is this drunkenness most observable?” Mr Farndale: “Among the middle-aged. There is not much drunkenness among young people, I am pleased to say.” “Would you attribute to the clubs a certain proportion of this drunkenness?” “Very much of it. The publican takes great care not to permit drunkenness on his premises. I contend that where drink is sold and consumed the law should apply equally throughout.” Mr Farndale concluded that he welcomed the tide house system, as it led to better supervision.[271]

Mystic signals between barmaids and customers were referred to before the royal Commission on licencing in London today. Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable Bradford, said that if the police visited a public house in the afternoon one of the favourite drinks was ginger ale, and it was difficult for the police to prove there were intoxicants in it. “There are certain signs,” he declared, “between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger ale. It is my opinion,” added Mr Farndale, “that the wave of sobriety immediately after the War is now moving in the opposite direction and that drunkenness is increasing.”[272]

Misogynist views of their age about women and drinking

There were continued misogynist Victorian views of women and drinking. An article appeared on 22 January 1930 asking Does the Modern Woman Drink More? She now visits Public Houses Openly, but used to enter by the Back Door slyly. Evidence before the Royal Commission on licencing yesterday concerned the sobriety or otherwise of modern women, and their changed attitude to public houses. It was claimed by the Rhonda Stipendary Magistrate, that the Welsh women were sober, and that few visited licenced houses, but the Hull Stipendiary expressed the opinion that whereas women once entered public houses slightly by the back door, they now visited them quite openly and such drinking was more in evidence. Mr J R MacDonald, Stipendary Magistrate for Hull, giving evidence, said “A decent woman has not the same feeling about going into a public house as she had when I was a youngster. I was shocked, as a young man, when I saw a woman going into a public house. I do not think I would be shocked nowadays.” Dealing with the general question of drinking by women, and referring particularly to wife desertion, Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford, said that the number of cases in which it was alleged that drink had caused recourse to proceedings under the Married Women Acts was almost negligible. Drinking by women on licenced premises is more in evidence today. At one time women entered public houses slyly by the back door. Today they enter quite openly by the front door.”[273]

At a meeting of the Bradford Corporation Watch Committee in February 1930, a long discussion took place on the allegation put forward by the Trades Council, at the instance of the Shipley Trades Council that police officers in the Bradford Force had used unduly rough method methods to women on picket duty during the recent strike at Lunds Mill, Bolton Woods, Frizinghall. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, submitted reports denying these allegations. A resolution was passed supporting the claim that the allegations were unfounded.[274]

A spat with an Inspector of Transport

There was a bit of a ‘spat’ between Joseph and an inspector at an Inquiry in March 1930. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, and Mr. J Atkinson, an inspector of the ministry of transport, came into conflict at the hearing, at the education offices, Leeds, yesterday, at an appeal by Messrs Wood Brothers (Blackpool) Limited against the refusal of Leeds Corporation and the Corporations of Bradford and Halifax to grant licences to three of their motor buses to ply for hire between Blackpool, Blackburn, Halifax, Bradford, and Leeds. The “breeze” occurred when the chief constable of Bradford was dealing with Bradford's position. The Inspector had intimated he was concerned with the Blackburn route to Blackpool and had not with all the alternative routes, and that as the appellant’s original application showed this route, the route must be considered. Mr Farndale said the Bradford Watch Committee had only been concerned with the application as to a through service. They had considered nothing more than a through passenger service between Bradford and Blackpool. The inspector: “Do you mean that the Watch Committee as a statutory committee did not consider the conditions contained in the companies letter?” “That is so.” The inspector: “Am I to report to the minister that the chief constable of Bradford informs me that the conditions upon which these licences were asked were not laid before the committee?” “Was the letter laid before your committee?” “No”. No attempt to mislead. The Inspector added he would not have it said that the chief constable was the person who suggested that licences should be issued. Being in a statutory position, the committee had a duty to act in a judicial manner, and the opinion of an official was not evidence on which they could act. Mr Farndale: “All these applications all set out on the agenda, giving the name of the firm, and the destination. I give the existing services, and so on, and all and that the committee can come to their decision.” The Inspector: “Would not that be misleading if they did not have the formal evidence before them?” “I have never misled my committee, and I do not intend to do so.” Evidence was given on behalf of Halifax corporation as to the services already in existence.[275]

Over noisy gramophones

Noise pollution from loud gramophones was an issue in December 1930. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received complaints from various people of grammar phones and wireless loud speakers being on operated in such a way as to become annoying. I can sympathise with those people who have made the complaints, writes the Bradford correspondent, for up to a short time ago I myself was a victim of such suffering. I live at a point on which the sound waves from three gramophones were focused. On one occasion the gramophones played simultaneously, “It ain't gonna rain no more,” “Everyone calls me Tarzan,” and “I parted my hair in the middle.” At the same time a piano broadcast: “Won't you buy my pretty flowers?”. The climax came, and this was one of the reasons for my having since removed, when a young man next door started a jazz band.[276]

A reflection on Joseph Farndale

30 years a chief constable. It is a big slice out of a man's life. For so long has Mr Joseph Farndale been Chief Constable of Bradford, and when, at the Watch Committee meeting this afternoon, he handed in his resignation to take effect at the year end, thus enabling him to take his appointment as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire, he found the wrench hard to make. One who was there, said afterwards, “When he referred to his men and their loyalty to him he could hardly speak, and was almost in tears.” He himself said, “To part with my men now is like parting with one's family.” Before the meeting, he talked with a Mercury reporter of his 30 years as a chief constable. Since 1900, he said, the strength of the Bradford force have been increased by 75%, pay of a police constable by 140%, and the higher ranks had also received considerable percentage increases. “The duties of a policeman have increased enormously in importance, and today we are recruiting men of a class totally different from that of 30 years ago. We have degree men in the force, and we draw from the secondary schools. Recruits before they become constables, are given an intensive training which did not exist when I became chief.” Thirty years ago the duties of a policeman in Bradford were occupied largely with rowdies in certain parts of the city, which were known for the violence of the characters frequenting them. The helmet was needed to save the old time policeman's head from violence. It was his crash helmet, protecting him from the sticks and weapons of hooligans. Such protection is seldom required now, said Mr Farndale, the city is practically quiet. As time went by the police forces had to equip themselves to deal with the problems presented by a modern world. Fast moving traffic came. The crooks made full use of it. The police checkmate was the Flying Squad. Mr Farndale was the first chief constable to realise that the old type of police stations were out of date. The modern crook moves so quickly that unless he is caught red handed, the chances of capture dwindle. So Mr Farndale scrapped all the old police stations in Bradford and planned 100 fully equipped police boxes on the very doorsteps of the citizens. By using the police box system, he said, citizens can obtain the assistance of the police almost at a moment’s notice. Now experiments are going on to ascertain the extent to which the police can make use of wireless in the detection and prevention of crime. The questions of secret wavelengths and codes has to be considered. Experiments are being conducted in Bradford with wireless vans, which will mature in the very near future. Such vans would be able to patrol the city at regular periods of the day, receiving instructions from headquarters by wireless, and acting on them without being under the necessity of making points at given times. The hooligans of the old days who committed crime crimes of violence against the person were often caught red handed. The type of crime prevailing today, however, requires great investigative investigation qualities, hence our detective department department with its highly qualified staff. Mr Farndale paid a warm tribute to his detectives. Bradford, he said, is fortunate in having a very efficient effect detective staff in the charge of Superintendent Petty, who started his police career in the same year that I was appointed Chief Constable. No murder of recent years has gone undetected. What of the police force 30 years hence? “I do not see that there can be any greater demand on the intelligence of the police force of the future than there is today,” he said. “full advantage, of course, will have to be taken off scientific developments.” Mr Farndale believes in the local force doing its job without calling in outside aid. “It is not altogether what a detective knows,” he said. “it is what he can get to know. People are more likely to give information and assistance to them to men they know, representing their own force, rather than to a stranger. I believe in the local force doing its own job when it is as efficient as that of the Bradford force, which has never failed yet.”[277]

“No matter where I am, I shall be a policeman to the end of my time. I cannot help it. I was practically born into the service, and I shall die in the service, although I may not be an active member”. In those words Mr Joseph Farndale for 30 years chief constable Bradford, said farewell to his men as they stood, forming a great square of blue, at Belle Vue barracks yesterday afternoon. It was an occasion all those present will remember, the final March, the old “Chief” standing at the salute, and then the police band playing “Auld Lang Syne.” “I leave my reputation in your hands, and I leave it wholeheartedly because I know you will never fail. He said “I want my successor to realise that the men I have put in service, and the officers I have promoted, are the right men to serve this city, and that they will continue to serve it to the end of their day.”[278]

Chief Superintendent Johnson presenting a token of Bradford esteem to his retiring chief, Mr Joseph Farndale, who has been appointed Chairman of Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire

Scene 5 - Traffic Commissioner for Yorkshire

In 1930 Mr Joseph Farndale, the Chief Constable of Bradford, has been appointed the traffic commissioner for Yorkshire.[279]

Asked by Mr Thomas Snowden whether he was now in a position to announce the appointment of the chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire and eastern areas, Mr Herbert Morrison said he had appointed Mr. J Farndale CBE at present Chief Constable Bradford. Sir Haviland Hiley, KBE, whose appointment he announced on December 10th, would be the chairman of the Eastern Area. Mr. T Snowden: “Can he say if Mr Farndale is a Yorkshireman?” Mr Morrison: “Yes, Sir.” Mr Snowden: “Can he speak the Yorkshire language?” (Laughter). There was no answer.[280]

There was controversy, particularly in the Socialist Party about appointing a retired Chief Constable, entitled to a two thirds of salary pension to a salaried role of Traffic Commissioner. In December 1930, the announcement made today of the appointment of the last of the nine commissioners under the new traffic act is unpopular with the Labour Party. West Riding with socialist members in particular told me that they have no personal objection to the chief constable Bradford becoming the commissioner for their area. On the contrary, if they had their way Mr Farndale would have been more greatly honoured some time ago. Socialists generally, however, are uneasy for the preservation of the principle of one man one job or put it more accurately, one man one income.[281]

The death of Emma

Joseph’s First Wife, Emma, died on 1 September 1936. Death occurred yesterday of Mrs Emma Farndale, wife of Mr Joseph Farndale, of Oakdene, Slingsby walk, Harrogate. Mr Farndale, who is chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, was chief constable of Bradford from 1900 to 1930. Mrs Farndale was a woman of charming personality. She was aged 73, and was the second daughter of the late Mr William Selby, of Wakefield. She married Mr Farndale in 1883.[282]

Fish and chips for the passengers

Amusement was caused during the sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at Scarborough on 10 July 1937 when the proprietor of a small bus service said it was difficult for his driver to attend closely to his fares as he had, on occasion, to get fish and chips for his passengers. Thomas Colin Glover, of Amotherby, Milton, applied for a modification of his stage carriage licence between Pickering and Great Barugh to allow fare stages on route for the benefit of farmers on market days. Mr Glover admitted that owing to a mistake he had charged 4d for a sixpenny fare stage on one occasion. The passengers slipped in unnoticed by the driver, and should never have been picked up. He had been told that he must not travel on that particular bus in future. It is much harder, he added, for these small proprietors to run services officially as efficiently as the big companies. Though you may hardly believe it, my driver may have fish and chips to get for his passengers, with the result that he does not collect his tickets until the last minute.” (laughter). The chairman, Mr. J Farndale: “He should see to his bus tickets, not a fish and chips.”[283]

Scene 6 - Second Marriage and Retirement

Joseph Farndale married his second wife, Margaret Emmott in December 1937, and it became public knowledge in January 1938. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and a former chief constable Bradford, was quietly married to a Leeds chiropodist, Miss Margaret Emmett yesterday. None but a few close friends and relatives at the bride and bridegroom knew of the ceremony, and no hint of the wedding had become known to wider circles. Mr Farndale is 72, and his bride an attractive woman, described by a friend yesterday as “on the right side of 40.” She is well known as a chiropodist, practising in Cavendish Chambers. Neither the staff of the Traffic Commissioners office nor the employees of Miss Emmett knew anything of the wedding until it was over, and Mr and Mrs Farndale had left for London. Miss Emmert said she would be away for a few days. Mr Farndale is well known in many parts of the country. A native of Wakefield, he served with the Halifax police force before becoming chief constable of Margate. Later he became chief constable of York and then a Bradford. He was awarded the Kings Police Medal in 1914, and in 1924 was made a Companion of the British Empire. He is a past president of the Chief Constables Association. He became chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners after his retirement from the Bradford force. Had the wedding being generally known there would have been a large gathering of friends at from Brunswick Methodist Church, where the ceremony was performed by the Reverend W E Sangster.[284]

Not long afterwards, Joseph Farndale announced that he was retiring as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners[285].

His last public activity as a Traffic Commissioner was to open the new Barnsley Bus Station.

Mr. J Farndale, CBE, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, cutting the tape at the opening of the new Barnsley omnibus station on Wednesday.

Mr Farndale said it was a pleasant experience to be with them at the opening of the new bus station. He had held the office of chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners for eight years, and the development of bus stations he had hoped for had not come to pass. Therefore one had to give credit to the Yorkshire Traction Company for having such a splendid example in Barnsley. (Applause). “It is a magnificent station, and I am sure his Worship the Mayor and those associated with him in the corporation will now realise the great responsibility and the great cost of which the ratepayers of Barnsley have been relieved.” The people of Barnsley and those in the neighbourhood should be grateful to the Yorkshire Traction Company for the many thousands of pounds they had spent in putting up such an excellent station. He was sure the public would appreciate it to the full. He hoped it would lead to greater success for the Yorkshire Traction Company. Mr Farndale told many good stories relating to Mr Robinson's proud claim that he was a Yorkshireman, and the yorkshireman's habit of calling a spade a spade. Mr Farndale said that when people came before him for a licence and did not get it they were very disappointed. “They don't express themselves to me,” he said, “but I know what they're thinking.” They would realise what compliments he got. Mr Farndale said that on many occasions he had seen the Yorkshire Traction Company buses on the road and what superior and fine vehicles they were compared to what they knew years ago in that district.[286]

Safety First Campaigns

However, Joseph Farndale didn’t relax and continued to be involved in traffic regulation, and the ‘Safety First’ campaigns. In February 1939, “We talk about the danger of being at war, but we're at war in a way one considers in a way when one considers the fatalities that take place annually on the roads”, said Mr Ben Wade who was re-elected chairman of the Bradford Safety First council at the annual meeting in the town hall yesterday. The following officers were elected, Mr Joseph Farndale, vice chairman.[287]

His idea of reintroducing very low speed limits had probably passed their day. In October 1939, at a meeting of the Bradford Safety First council yesterday, Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, suggested that a 10 miles an hour limit should be introduced in congested areas. He said that during the blackout it was clear a pedestrian could see a motor car but it was doubtful whether a motorist could see a pedestrian. Mr Farndale said that he could not see how a motorist could possibly make out pedestrians who were wearing dark clothing when crossing a highway and he advised pedestrians to take greater care. “I think there should be a 10 mile an hour speed limit for motorists in congested areas.”[288]

Women Air Raid Wardens

Joseph’s views of the role of women remained very much ‘of their time’. In October 1939 “Slips of girls of 20 wearing air raid wardens helmets” were referred to by Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of Yorkshire traffic commissioners and former chief constable at Bradford, at a meeting of the Bradford safety first council yesterday. Mr Farndale said he had seen such girls in some other cities, and he did not think they would be much use during an air raid. Women wardens should be women of mature age who would not take fright. Alderman Henry Hudson, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, asked who was in a position to judge whether a girl 20 would have less nerve during an air raid than a woman of woman of 60.[289]

Driving on the right

Joseph Farndale did not like the idea of changing the rule of the road to drive on the right in the UK in September 1942. The suggestion that traffic should revert to the continental and American system of travelling on the right was put forward by Dr Ben wade, chairman, at the meeting yesterday of the Bradford Council of these Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents. Mr Joseph Farndale said he could not see there would be any advantage from the point of view of preventing accidents by changing a rule of the road which was already so well established.[290]

Traffic Lights

In November 1945, Joseph Farndale advocated eliminating the use of amber in traffic lights. The deputy chief constable, Mr B Hudson, presented a return showing that so far this year there had been 914 road accidents as compared with 976 for the whole of 1944. There were 11 fewer fatal accidents, 39 against fifty. Mr. J Farndale come out former chief constable Bradford, said he advocated elimination of the amber light at robot crossings years ago, because many motorists proceeded on it, but the ministry ruled it out.[291]

A proud old policeman

By 1951, Joseph Farndale was a proud old Chief Constable, enjoying watching the police on parade. With all the precision of Guardsmen, and with their band playing British Grenadiers, Bradford city police yesterday marched past Lieutenant Colonel Sir Frank Brook, H M Inspector of Constabulary, at their annual inspection in Peel Park. There are plenty of ex Guardsman in the police, and RSM Briten, had he been present, would have been proud of the way the Brigade's traditions were carried on. Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford until 1930, was there bearing his 80 years likely. Asked what he thought of the parade, he said: “It maintains the standard I set a long time ago.”[292]

His death

Joseph Farndale, died age 89, on 22 February 1954 at his home in Harrogate. He was a retired police constable, Bradford, CBE[293].

The death has occurred at his home, The Flat, Ripon Road, Harrogate, of Mr Joseph Farndale, who was, for 30 years from 1900, Chief Constable of Bradford. He was 89. Mr Farndale was appointed first chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire under the Road Act and resigned his Bradford post. He was former Chief Constable of Margate and of York, after serving in every grade of the police force at Halifax. A Wakefield man, he joined the Halifax Borough Police Force at the age of 19. He was awarded the Police Medal in 1914 and the CBE in 1924.[294]

Constable who became a Police Chief. Mr Joseph Farndale, Halifax constable who became chief constable of Bradford 16 years after entering the police service, and who later, became chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, has died at his home, at Ripon Road, Harrogate. He was 89. Born in Wakefield and educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, Mr Farndale became an apprentice chemist, but on reaching the age of 21, decided to enter the police force, joining in Halifax as a constable. His police career was brilliant. He had rapid promotion to the Halifax in the Halifax force and took a post as chief constable of Margate in 1893. During his time in Halifax, he was secretary of the Halifax Police Athletic Club. Mr Farndale became chief constable of York in 1897, and three years later, chief constable Bradford. In 1914 he received the King's Police Medal and, in a 1924, the CBE. Police box pioneer. The police box system was pioneered by Mr Farndale. Retiring from police service in and in 1930, at the age of 66, Mr Farndale was appointed chairman at the Yorkshire traffic commissioners. He retired from this position in 1938. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in 1936, and the following year he married Miss Margaret Emmett, second daughter of Mr. Smith Emmett of Beechwood, Sowerby Bridge, a former Co president of the Calder Valley Poet Society.[295]

Joseph Farndale CBE KPM

1864 to 1954

The Chief Constable of Bradford who pioneered the use of fingerprints, invented the police box, and played a key role in Bradford’s evolution at the start of the twentieth century

Part 3 – Thomas Henry Farndale, the Detective

The Real Inspector Foyle

The younger Joseph Farndale’s nephew was Thomas Henry Farndale who served in the Royal Navy Reserve as a telegraphist in the First World War[296] and joined the police force in 1920. For the first ten years he was successively at Woking, Camberley, Sunningdale, Windlesham, and Cranleigh.[297] He was a police sergeant by 1937[298].

By 1938, Thomas was a detective sergeant. A spell of CID experience was followed by promotion to Sergeant at Bagshot, where he came in close contact with the late Duke of Connaught, the security of whose residence, Bagshot Park, came within his jurisdiction.[299]

The World War 2 Detective

The Three Soldiers Murder Case

In July 1939 three soldiers appeared before the Farnham, Surrey, magistrates today charged with the murder of Mabel, 43, maid, employed at Moorlands Hotel, Hindhead. The accused were Stanley, 27, Arthur, 25, and Joseph, 29, and they were remanded for a week. The charge was “that on July 4th, at Hindhead, they did, with malice aforethought, feloniously, kill and slay Mabel. Two of the men wore the brown dungarees of the Army's new battle dress, the third wore the uniform of a private. The woman's body was found under a pine tree in the grounds of the hotel, where she had been employed for the past year. The men made their appearance at the conclusion of the ordinary petty sessional court. The names were not divulged until they were read out. Detective Sergeant Farndale said that at 7:45 AM yesterday he saw the body of Mabel lying in a pathway at Moorlands Hotel. “Later the same day,” he continued, “while making inquiries at Thursley Camp, I interviewed the three accused. Later I conveyed them to Farnham police station and at 12:45 this morning they were cautioned and charged by the Superintendent, with the wilful murder of Mabel”. In reply to the charge each man answered, “I have nothing to say.” The Clerk asked Superintendent S D Cox whether he would be in a position to proceed with the prosecution next Thursday. Superintendent Cox said he would apply for a further remand, but would probably be able to fix a day on which the charges could be heard.[300]

Detective Sergeant Farndale said that when the prisoners were charged with the wilful murder of Mabel, each man answered “I have nothing to say”.[301]

After formal evidence by Detective Sergeant Farndale, Superintendent Cox said he had received instructions that the Director of Public Prosecutions would be prepared to go on with the case on Friday next, July 21st. The accused were again remanded in custody and were granted certificates for legal aid.[302]

At a four days trial at the Old Bailey in September 1939, two privates in the North Staffordshire Regiment, Stanley, 27 and Arthur, 28, on Thursday were found guilty of the murder at Hindhead on July 4th of Miss Mabel, aged 42, a staff maid at the Moorlands Hotel, Hindwell. A third man, also a private in the same Regiment, Joseph, 29, was found not guilty. One of the soldiers was sentenced to death by Justice Oliver. The trial opened on Monday. The case for the prosecution related how at 6:20 AM the body of Mabel was found at the footpath near the Moorlands hotel. Detective Sergeant Farndale had given evidence of taking statements.[303]

These two soldiers were serving in the North Staffordshire Regiment in the summer of 1939 and were based at Thursley in Surrey, together with the third soldier. On the evening of Thursday the 4th of July, 1939 the three men decided to go drinking together. They caught the bus into Hindhead and went to The Royal Huts hotel. This was demolished some 20 to 30 years ago and is now a housing estate. Here they met 42 year old Mabel who was a maid at the Moorlands Hotel at Hindhead and who had come in for a drink with a female friend. By closing time the friend had already left and the three soldiers offered to walk Mabel back to the Moorlands, where she lived in. The Moorland Hotel building is still there and is now a nursing home. Mabel left with them and appeared to be quite happy. As the group neared the Moorlands things turned nasty. The soldiers decided to rape Mabel and then kill her. Her body was found the next morning in the hotel grounds by the kitchen porter. An examination showed that she had been sexually assaulted. The autopsy carried out by Professor Keith Simpson, found that her nose had been broken and that she had died from a heavy blow(s) to the side of the head, thought to be from violent punches, inflicted by a strong man. Witnesses came forward to say that they had seen Mabel leaving the Royal Huts with three soldiers and they were invited to an identity parade of the 152 soldiers at the camp in Thursley. Two witnesses were able to identify one of the soldiers. Forensic tests showed blood on the clothes of 27 year old Stanley and 26 year old Arthur and semen on Stanley and 29 year old Joseph. All were arrested and taken to Farnham police station. Stanley and Arthur admitted having sex with Mabel but claimed it was consensual and denied intending to murder her, claiming that they only intended to “knock her out” after she changed her mind having first had intercourse with Arthur. All three were tried at the Old Bailey before Mr. Justice Oliver on the 12th to the 21st of September, 1939. Stanley and Arthur were convicted and Joseph acquitted of murder as there was no real evidence that he was an accomplice to rape - he himself hadn't used violence, so he could only be guilty of murder, if he were guilty of the rape, which the jury decided he wasn't. Stanley placed the blame on Arthur, saying “I am innocent of any violence that night, it was just a matter of being present with Joseph who got acquitted.” However he chose not to appeal. Arthur did appeal but this was dismissed, with Lord Hewart describing the crime “as one of ferocious and repulsive brutality”. In view of the obvious animosity between Stanley and Arthur and to avoid a scene on the gallows it was decided to execute them on consecutive days. On Wednesday the 25th of October, 1939 Stanley was hanged at Wandsworth. He was given a drop of 8 ft 9 in. (3 inches more than the maximum value in the drop table) on account of his slight build and weight of just 125 lbs, the prison doctor concurring. The following morning, Arthur was executed. Arthur weighed 154 lbs. and was given a drop of 7’ 3” causing fracture/dislocation of the 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae and “tearing of the junction of the medulla and pons.”

In the Second World War, Thomas Farndale continued to work as a detective sergeant and later inspector in a real life ‘Foyle’s War’ story.

Underage proposal

In another incident in December 1939 at Farnham Police Court a soldier, stationed at Aldershot, was charged with an offence against a 14 year old girl, at Ashvale, on May 25th. The girl, an expectant mother, said that the soldier had promised to marry her, and there was no reason why he should have known that she was not 16. Her mother stated that the girl was 14 on December 22nd last, and agreed in cross examination that she had been taken for at least 17. Detective Sergeant Farndale said he saw accused in barracks at Aldershot on November 2nd and told him the nature of the charge. The soldier then made a statement in which he said he did not remember the girl telling him her age, but he had a rough idea she was something like 14. Accused, who is committed for trial at Central Criminal Court, on January 9th, was admitted to bail on his own recognisance of £10 and was granted a certificate of legal aid.[304]

Wartime weapons theft

In December 1939 an accused called Robert stated to have been living in rooms at East street, Farnham, was committed for trial at the Central Criminal Court by Farnham magistrates on Thursday, on three charges of shop breaking. It was alleged that he had broken into the premises of Achille Serre Limited, South Street, on December 5, and stolen £5 6s; into the premises of Hickley and Co Limited, South Street, on December 5, and stolen a rifle and air pistol, 200 rounds of rifle ammunition and 12s; and into the premises of William Kingham and Sons Limited on November 19 and stolen £22 2s 6d, postage stamps and cigarettes. PC Dobinson gave evidence that on the floor of Achille Serre Limited he found a car park ticket issued by the borough of Brighton and Detective Sergeant Farndale said accused admitted that the ticket had been issued to him. A statement signed by accused was produced by Detective Sergeant Farndale. In this accused stated that he came to Farnham in 1933 and was employed as a motor driver mechanic. In recent months he had found difficulty in finding work, and he decided to turn to crime. He admitted breaking into three premises. He also confessed to having broken into others, and desired that all these cases be taken into consideration. The bench refused an application for bail pending trial.[305]

Wartime Inspector

At the outbreak of the last war Thomas was promoted to Inspector and transferred to the War Emergency Branch, remaining in charge of this department until 1945[306]. In February 1940, Acting Inspector Thomas Henry Farndale, of Farnham, has been promoted Inspector in the Surrey Constabulary, in place of the late Inspector R A Lucas. Inspector Farndale will remain at Farnham.[307]

Home Emergency Test

In June 1944 West Surrey Rangers and Sea Rangers’ second home emergency test was held at Woodlocks, the Farnham campsite, and Highlands, Farnham, recently. The test was arranged in two sections and on the first day the subjects were: inspection, drill. The following day was the main test. It was based on the theory that roads to Farnham had been bombed. Candidates, ready for any emergency, were exercised in four groups. Before starting each candidate’s emergency kit was inspected. The judging in other sections was done by the following. Inspector Farndale, Farnham and Captain Frith, Farnham, traffic control and road rules.[308]

Post War Traffic

Mr Farndale then served a time with the traffic and communications division, and in 1946 went to Caterham as sub divisional inspector, and remained in charge there until November, 1948.[309]

The Chalkpit Murder

Mr Farndale has had what is probably a unique experience for a country officer of having been concerned in four cases of murder, the most notorious of which was the Chalkpit Murder which was the front page news in 1946. Then at Caterham, Mr Farndale was called on November 30th, 1946, to the chalkpit at Slines Oak Road, Woldingham, where he found the body of John Mcbain Mudie, and, with other officers, he took charge of the local inquiries which subsequently led to the appearance in the dock at the old bailey of Thomas John Lee, an ex minister of justice for New South Wales, and his accomplice, Lawrence John Smith. For his part in clearing up the case Chief Inspector Farndale received a first class commendation.[310]

Thomas John Ley (28 October 1880 – 24 July 1947) was an Australian politician who was convicted of murder in England. He is widely suspected to have been involved in the deaths of a number of people in Australia, including political rivals. In 1946, Maggie Evelyn Brook, a magistrate's wife, was living in Wimbledon, and Ley had his house at 5 Beaufort Gardens, London, converted into flats. Ley falsely believed that Brook and a barman called John McMain Mudie were having an affair. Ley persuaded two of his labourers that Mudie was a blackmailer, and together they tortured and killed him. The case became known as the "Chalk-pit Murder" because Mudie's body was dumped in a chalk pit on Woldingham Common in Surrey, thirty miles away from Ley's home. With Lawrence John Smith, Ley was tried at the Old Bailey; both were sentenced to death in March 1947. However, both Smith and Ley escaped the noose: Smith's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, while Ley was declared insane and sent to Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane. He died there soon after of a cerebral haemorrhage. He is said to have been the wealthiest person ever to be imprisoned at Broadmoor. He left an estate in New South Wales valued for probate at £744. Ley's wife had followed him to England in 1942. From Broadmoor, Ley wrote letters and poems, and protested his innocence to his wife and children. After his death, his widow returned to Australia. She died at Bowral, New South Wales in 1956.

‘It just went off’

In May 1948 a woman called Doris, who appeared on remand at Godstone Petty Sessions, Oxted, Surrey, today, accused of murdering her husband, Frederick, at Harrow Road, Wallingham, on Saturday, was further remanded into custody until May 19. Inspector T H Farndale said that on Saturday he saw the body of a man in an upstairs bedroom. Doris was downstairs and later made a statement. When charged, she replied: “It just went off,” the inspector alleged.[311]

Food Theft

In January 1950, Lawrence, 39, of Gays cottages, Tandridge lane, Tandridge, admitted at Oxted on Monday that he stole 2 lbs of sugar, ½ pound of cheese and half a pound of butter, the property of the Fullers’ Earth Union, and valued at 3s 2 ½ d, at Nutfield, on November 13^th. Giving the facts of the case, Inspector Farndale said defendant was employed as a process worker at one of the works of the Fullers’ Earth Union. On November 13th, he was in charge of the canteen for the 2.10 pm shift, for which sufficient rations were left. There was some cheese in a refrigerator, which could have been used in an emergency. Later the same evening a van was stopped by a police officer, and in the back was a tin containing a quantity of food scraps, among which were the butter, sugar and cheese, which was later identified by the canteen manager as similar to that used in the canteen. Interviewed next day, Lawrence at once admitted taking the food from the canteen at the works, and made a statement in which he expressed regret.[312]

Soldier’s theft of a snuff box

In July 1951 at Oxted Magistrates Court, David, of no fixed abode, was sent to prison for six months having pleaded guilty to the theft of a gold stuff box, value £47, the property of Lord Annaly, at Baldwins, Baldwins Hill. He was charged with being an absentee from the King's Royal Rifle Regiment, and pleaded guilty. The case was adjourned sine die. Chief Inspector Farndale stated that on June 20 Lord Annaly left his residence leaving a manservant in charge. This manservant later went to the Fitzroy Tavern where he met the accused, who he said was “broke” and had nowhere to go. The accused was then invited to stay at Lord Annaly’s address for two days, which he did, but when he left the man servant saw that the snuff box was missing. He immediately informed his employer and the police. Interviewed later, the accused said: “I had the snuffbox alright. I sold it for £30. I was given it .” Chief Inspector Farndale said that the accused had been absent from the King's Royal Rifles at Winchester since June 13. He asked for leniency, and said: “I’ve been out of trouble since I came out of Borstal two years ago. I only did it because I was in a tight spot.”[313]

Embezzlement

A former milk roundsman, Lewis, 53, of 11 Trindles Road, South Nutfield, pleaded guilty at Oxted court, in September 1952, to embezzling £4 16s 5d received by him for his master, at Blechingley, on July 26 and to three charges of falsifying round books. He was sent to prison for six months on each of the four charges, the sentence is to run concurrently. Chief Inspector Farndale said that in July, 1951, Taylor obtained work as a milk roundsman at White Post Dairy, Blechingley, and was given two round books, containing customers names, the amount of milk supplied daily and the cash collected. Pages at the back of one book was set aside for Taylor to enter the cash paid into his employer on a particular day and the amount spent on petrol etc. Early this year, in view of the information given to the police, accounts were examined. At first it was not clear what had been happening, and Taylor was seen by a detective. When told it was believed the accounts were not correct, he said, “They are all right; there's nothing wrong with them.” The books were then checked thoroughly by his employer, and it was discovered that, generally, the total of cash handed in, added to the money spent on expenses, was lower than the money shown as having been paid customers by customers on respective days. It was clear that Taylor had been receiving money and keeping it and making back entries in the books.[314]

A shocking case

Described by Chief Inspector Farndale as “one of the most shocking cases in my experience”, and as “something that has been going on for months,” eight Oxted boys between 10 and 15 years were placed on probation after they had severally admitted indecent insults during September upon two young Oxted girls of 10 and 11 years. One girl was the sister of an accused boy.[315]

I put my beloved to sleep

In the same month, Peter, a forty year old salesman, of Gable Court, Cold Harbour, Lingfield, Surrey, was charged at Oxted, Surrey, today, with the murder of his wife, Heiga, 36, at Lingfield. He was remanded in custody until January 5. Chief Inspector Farndale said that at 2.30 am today he told Peter that at 12.30 am he had seen the body of Heiga at Gable Court, and that he had good reason to believe that Peter was responsible for her death. Peter replied, “What can I say? This has been coming for a long time. I was desperate.” Peter handed him a sealed envelope which it was proposed to put in at a later stage. Peter was granted legal aid. The bodies of a woman and child were found earlier today after a small fire at the front room of a cottage at Gable court.[316]

When Peter was charged at Oxted, Surrey today with the murder of his wife and son, the prosecution said that Peter made a statement to the police which said: “At 6 am I put to sleep my own beloved wife, Heiga, and my dear son Stuart. Heiga always wanted to be cremated, so I am setting fire to Gable Court tonight and I am taking sufficient tablets to put away myself.” Chief Inspector Farndale said that at the police station Peter handed in a sealed envelope containing a letter which said: “They were sleeping when I did it. I know their souls have gone to heaven, they were the dearest wife and son anyone could wish for.”[317]

Quiz

In February 1954 a series of lectures to the Special Constabulary culminated in a quiz on Thursday last week between the Caterham and Oxted subdivisions. Caterham scored 49.3 points in Oxted 49. Chief Inspector T Farndale had given the lectures.[318]

Back to the circus

In April 1954 when a tall, sensitive looking youth of 16 who had absconded from a probation home and joined the circus, appeared before Oxted juvenile court on Thursday, the justices decided to send him back to the circus. He was put on probation at Littlehampton in November, 1953, for trying to commit suicide by throwing himself under a car, and a condition of his probation was that he resided at the home for a year but he became very unhappy there. “There was a lot of stealing and things, and I left because I didn't want to be dragged into it”, he said. Chief Inspector Farndale said the circus was willing to re employ the boy and gave him gave very good reports of him. His father told the court he thought it would do him good to start out on his own at the circus. Inspector Farndale said the police would arrange to take to the boy back to the winter quarters of the circus.[319]

Sporty

The Chief Inspector has always been an enthusiastic sportsman and as he young man played cricket and football for whatever town or village he happened to be stationed at the time in addition, of course, to playing for his divisional team. In later years he took up bowls, has been a member of the Oxted and Limpsfield club for many seasons and has represented the police in most of their intercounty matches, skipping a rink of Oxted policeman with considerable success. He has also devoted considerable time to the administrative side of football, being the Inspector's representative on the Constabulary Sports Association Committee and having served on the committee of the Oxted Football Club for six years, filling the office of chairman for the last three seasons. Both his sons share his love of sport and, when national service has permitted, have given useful performances for the Oxted Cricket Club. Mrs Farndale also took up bowls and within two years carried off the Oxted ladies’ club championship, junior championship and handicap trophies, which achievement earned her county honours.[320]

Retirement

In November 1955 Chief Inspector Farndale retired. A member of a family whose connection with the police service extends over 75 years, Chief Inspector TH Farndale retires this weekend after 35 years service with the Surrey Constabulary, the last nine in the Oxted division.

Mr Farndale's family has had a long connection with the police service, beginning in the 1870s when his great uncle, Mr Joseph Farndale, joined the Middlesbrough force and was subsequently Chief Constable of Leicester City and later of Birmingham. While at the latter city he started a police band, the first of its kind in the country. Another Joseph Farndale, and uncle of the Chief Inspector’s, joined the Wakefield police and later served at Chesterfield as inspector before becoming Chief Constable at Margate and, eventually, at Bradford, retiring in 1930. The elder son of Chief Inspector Farndale joined the Surrey Constabulary last September, so that in the normal course of events the family should eventually be able to boast 100 years of continuous police service.

On Monday, Mr Farndale starts a new career, in the licencing trade, as licensee of the Plough Inn, Dormansland. [321]

Back Full Circle

Joseph Farndale the younger was the son of an innkeeper of Wakefield. When Thomas retired from the force, he returned to innkeeping.

Thomas H Farndale, of the Plough Inn Dormansland, near Lingfield Surrey died on 10 May 1964 at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead[322].

Remembered

In June 1965 he was honoured when Dormansland residents on Monday paid tribute to the most popular and hardworking neighbour, Mr Thomas Farndale, who died in May last year. The occasion was adult’s tournament finals at the Plough Inn, where Mr Farndale was licensee for many years after retiring as Chief Inspector at Oxted police station. A year ago Oxted and District Charity Darts League decided, with the help of the family and friends of Mr Farndale, to open a fund for a trophy to be named after him. The fund reached £70. The trophy is now regarded as the top prize any darts player could win. After an exciting final at the Plough, first winners became the team from the General Wolfe, Westerham. Runners up were players from the Swan, Godstone. Both teams had nine members and the Westerham men won six to three.

Mrs Hilda Farndale, the plough licensee, and Mr Farndale's widow, presented the trophy to Mr Joe Killick, the Wolfe’s captain.

“Many men go through life leaving no mark on their existence,” said Mr J E Gilbert, the league secretary, “but Mr Farndale made his mark in all the tasks he undertook. He left men better for having known him. He rarely played darts, but saw the League a means of bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds and of raising funds for charity.”[323]

Thomas Henry Farndale

1899 to 1964

An inspector of crime during and after the Second World War

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The Victorian Policemen Podcast

This is a new experiment. Using Google’s Notebook LM, listen to an AI powered podcast summarising this page. This should only be treated as an introduction, and the AI generation sometimes gets the nuance a bit wrong. There are a some instances in this podcast where there are mistakes about the exact relationships and an overlap of generations. However it does provide an introduction to the themes of this page, which are dealt with in more depth below. Listen to the podcast for an overview, but it doesn’t replace the text below, which provides the accurate historical record.

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[1] Hull Daily Mail, 30 May 1899.

[2] Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, 18 July 1862.

[3] Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, 24 April 1863.

[4] York Herald, 7 November 1863.

[5] Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1864 1/7/22.

[6] Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, 24 July 1863; Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, 8 December 1863.

[7] Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser, 4 April 1864.

[8] York Herald, 15 July 1864.

[9] Marriage Certificate.

[10] For instance, Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1867 4/8/13.

[11] Yorkshire Archives, Document reference QSB 1867 4/7/13.

[12] York Herald, 2 November 1867.

[13] York Herald, 5 September 1868.

[14] York Herald, 29 May 1869.

[15] Richmond & Ripon Chronicle, 29 May 1869.

[16] Derbyshire Chronicle, 1 and 4 September 1869.

[17] Derbyshire Times, 20 October 1869.

[18] For instance, Derbyshire Courier, 18 December 1869.

[19] Derbyshire Courier, 18 December 1869.

[20] Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 February 1870.

[21] Sheffield Independent, 5 February 1870.

[22] Derbyshire Times, 25 December 1869.

[23] Sheffield Independent, 30 August 1870.

[24] The Head Constable’s Report in the Derbyshire Courier, 5 August 1871.

[25] For instance, Derbyshire Times, 2 September 1871.

[26] Derbyshire Times, 7 October 1871.

[27] Derbyshire Times, 7 October 1871.

[28] Kindly provided by the West Midlands Police Museum.

[29] Derbyshire Times, 2 September 1871; Northern Weekly Gazette, 29 September 1871; York Herald, 30 September 1871; Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 6 October 1871.

[30] Leicester Evening Mail, 15 January 1937.

[31] Leicester Chronicle, 20 January 1872.

[32] Leicester Guardian, 18 September 1872.

[33] The Day’s Doings, 31 August 1872.

[34] Leicester Daily Post, 28 August 1872.

[35] Leicester Chronicle, 5 October 1872.

[36] Leicester Mercury, 7 June 1982.

[37] Leicester Daily Post, 9 August 1873.

[38] Leicester Guardian, 25 February 1874.

[39] Leicester Daily Post, 14 November 1874; Leicester Chronicle, 31 October 1874; Leicester Chronicle, 14 November 1874.

[40] Leicester Journal, 26 February 1875.

[41] Leicester Journal, 11 June 1875.

[42] Hinckley News, 15 May 1875.

[43] Leicester Journal, 28 December 1877.

[44] Leicester Journal, 19 September 1879.

[45] Showell’s Dictionary of Birmingham, Thomas Harman, 1885, page 245.

[46] Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 25 January 1882.

[47] Dundee Evening Telegraph, 10 May 1882; also in Western Gazette, 19 May 1882.

[48] ‘One skilled scientist is worth an army’ – The Fenian Dynamite campaign 1881-85, Shane Kenna, 13 February 2012; To Terrorize the Public Mind: How the British Press Reported the Fenian Dynamite Campaign, 1881–1885, Mackenzie Weinger, 24 January 2022;

[49] Showell’s Dictionary of Birmingham, Thomas Harman, 1885, page 168.

[50] Preston Herald, 7 April 1883; Dundee Courier, 9 April 1883; Eastern Evening News, 9 April 1883; Dundee Courier, 10 April 1883; Southern Reporter, 12 April 1883; Lincolnshire Chronicle, 13 April 1883; Birmingham Mail, 3 July 1915; Worcestershire Chronicle, 14 April 1883; Daily Telegraph, Friday 6 Apr 1883; Daily Telegraph, Saturday 7 Apr 1883; Daily Telegraph, Monday 9 April 1883; Daily Telegraph, Tuesday 10 April 1883.

[51] The Dart, 13 April 1883 and the Illustrated London News, 13 April 1883.

[52] Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 12 April 1884.

[53] Leeds Times, 19 April 1884.

[54] Dundee Courier, 2 May 1884.

[55] Birmingham Daily Post, 5 May 1883.

[56] Birmingham Daily Post, 4 December 1883.

[57] Manchester Evening News, 14 April 1884.

[58] The Globe, 16 March 1886.

[59] The Edinburgh Evening News, 14 September 1886.

[60] Worcester Chronicle, 18 September 1886.

[61] Liverpool Daily Post, 15 September 1886.

[62] Joseph Chamberlain: Man 'who made the political weather', 4 July 2014, BBC.

[63] Birmingham Daily Post, 23 February 1887.

[64] Birmingham Daily Post, 8 March 1887; Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 24 March 1887; Birmingham Daily Post, 23 May 1953.

[65] The Graphic, 26 March 1887.

[66] Birmingham Daily Gazette, 8 October 1888.

[67] Birmingham Daily Post, 8 October 1888.

[68] The Star, 23 November 1888.

[69] Evening Star, 6 November 1888.

[70] Burley Gazette, 3 November 1888.

[71] Bristol Mercury, 13 November 1888.

[72] Birmingham Mail, 28 December 1888.

[73] Birmingham Mail, 16 February 1889.

[74] Birmingham Mail, 26 April 1889.

[75] Whitby Gazette, 14 June 1889.

[76] Birmingham Daily Post, 27 June 1889.

[77] Birmingham Daily Post, 5 July 1889.

[78] Birmingham Daily Post, 12 July 1889.

[79] Dudley Mercury, 31 August 1889.

[80] Birmingham Mail, 18 March 1939.

[81] Birmingham Mail, 19 March 1890.

[82] Birmingham Daily Post, 31 May 1890.

[83] Staffordshire Chronicle, 27 September 1890.

[84] Dis Express, 3 October 1890.

[85] The Scotsman, 23 January 1893.

[86] South Wales Daily News, 25 January 1893.

[87] Shields Daily News, 10 February 1893.

[88] Morning Post, 14 March 1894.

[89] Birmingham Daily Post, 6 April 1892.

[90] Swindon Advertiser, 4 June 1892.

[91] Birmingham Daily Post, 30 June 1892.

[92] GRO Volume 10a page 31.

[93] Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald, 29 July 1893.

[94] Birmingham Daily Post, 20 February 1894.

[95] Aberdeen Evening Express, 25 April 1894.

[96] Birmingham Daily Gazette, 18 August 1894.

[97] Birmingham Daily Post, 18 April 1942.

[98] Birmingham Gazette, 10 June 1895.

[99] Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act 1879.

[100] Birmingham Mail, 4 February 1896.

[101] Whitby Gazette, 24 May 1895.

[102] Locomotives Act 1865.

[103] Birmingham Mail, 28 April 1896.

[104] Liverpool Mercury, 29 September 1897.

[105] Linlithgowshire Gazette, 1 May 1897.

[106] London Evening Standard, 8 July 1897.

[107] Edinburgh Evening News, 12 January 1898.

[108] Birmingham Daily Post, 18 March 1898.

[109] Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald, 18 March 1899.

[110] Worcestershire Chronicle, 18 March 1899.

[111] Nottingham Evening Post, 14 April 1899.

[112] Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 15 April 1899. The article refers to the novel by Bret Harte called The Luck of Roaring Camp.

[113] Hull Daily Mail, 30 May 1899, Dundee Courier, 30 May 1899.

[114] Birmingham Mail, 30 May 1899.

[115] Hull Daily Mail, 30 May 1899.

[116] South Wales Daily News, 30 May 1899.

[117] Leicester Chronicle, 3 June 1899.

[118] Derbyshire Times, 3 June 1899.

[119] Western Times, 31 May 1899.

[120] Birmingham Mail, 9 September 1899.

[121] Stockton Herald, 16 September 1899.

[122] Birmingham Mail, 21 October 1899.

[123] Birmingham Mail, 24 August 1907.

[124] Leicester Evening Mail, 10 January 1921.

[125] Leicester Daily Mercury, 5 September 1921.

[126] Leicester Daily Mercury, 22 March 1929.

[127] Birth Certificate, GRO Volume 9c page 29.

[128] Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903.

[129] GRO Volume 9b page 603.

[130] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 22 October 1886.

[131] Leeds Times, 8 December 1888.

[132] Leeds Times, 10 May 1890.

[133] 1891 Census.

[134] Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 September 1891.

[135] Yorkshire Evening Post, 16 December 1892.

[136] Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 24 December 1892.

[137] Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 June 1893.

[138] Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 10 July 1893.

[139] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 29 July 1893.

[140] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 19 August 1893.

[141] Thanet Advertiser, 8 August 1896.

[142] Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Mercury, 19 September 1893.

[143] Yorkshire evening Post, 6 June 1894.

[144] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 24 August 1895.

[145] Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmer’s Gazette, 15 February 1896.

[146] Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmer’s’ Gazette, 29 August 1896.

[147] Thanet Advertiser, 2 January 1897.

[148] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 13 February 1897.

[149] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 14 August 1897.

[150] Manchester Evening News, 25 September 1897; Edinburgh Evening News, 25 September 1897; Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 5 October 1897; Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 16 October 1897.

[151] Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 30 October 1897.

[152] Derby Mercury, 9 November 1898.

[153] Yorkshire Evening Post, 30 December 1898.

[154] Leeds Mercury, 7 January 1899, Nottingham Evening Post, 7 January 1899.

[155] Shields Daily News, 12 January 1899.

[156] Manchester Evening News, 12 January 1899.

[157] Manchester Evening News, 5 July 1899

[158] York Herald, 2 May 1899.

[159] York Herald, 30 December 1899.

[160] York Herald, 27 May 1899.

[161] Birmingham Daily Post, 25 June 1900; Bradford Daily Telegraph, 30 June 1900; Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 30 June 1900; Leeds Mercury, 30 June 1900.

[162] York Herald, 3 July 1900.

[163] York Herald, 17 July 1900.

[164] York Herald, 23 July 1900.

[165] Leeds Mercury, 10 August 1900.

[166] Leeds Mercury, 20 October 1900.

[167] 1901 Census.

[168] Bradford Observer, 2 January 1901.

[169] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 26 April 1901.

[170] Bradford Observer, 6 June 1901.

[171] The Vagrancy Act of 1824.

[172] Yorkshire Evening Post, 21 March 1902.

[173] Birmingham Mail, 23 October 1901.

[174] Yorkshire Evening Post, 21 January 1902.

[175] East Kent Times and Mail, 12 March 1902.

[176] Yorkshire evening Post, 6 June 1902.

[177] Yorkshire Evening Post, 20 June 1902.

[178] Yorkshire Evening Post, 11 July 1902.

[179] Bradford Daily Telegraph. 15 July 1902.

[180] Shields Daily Gazette, 27 September 1902.

[181] Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903.

[182] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 20 October 1903.

[183] Criminal Identification: The Bertillon System, Cleveland Police Museum, 7 April 2020.

[184] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 10 February 1905.

[185] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 14 November 1903.

[186] Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 17 November 1903.

[187] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 12 September 1904.

[188] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 10 September 1904.

[189] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 12 September 1904.

[190] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 27 December 1904.

[191] Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 7 May 1904.

[192] Leeds Mercury, 22 September 1905.

[193] Yorkshire Evening Post, 27 September 1905.

[194] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 12 May 1906.

[195] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 23 January 1907.

[196] Yorkshire Post, 5 April 1911.

[197] Pansy Montague, National Portrait Gallery.

[198] Yorkshire Evening News, 6 May 1907.

[199] Hull Daily Mail, 7 May 1907.

[200] Shipley Times and Express, 14 June 1907, Farndale v Dillon, Bolton Evening News, 14 June 1907, Warminster & Westbury Journal, 21 December 1907, Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act 1901.

[201] Nottingham Evening Post, 28 December 1907.

[202] Halifax Evening Courier, 13 May 1908.

[203] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 1 June 1908.

[204] Shipley Times and Express, 21 August 1908.

[205] Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, 19 May 1909.

[206] Leeds Mercury, 18 November 1909.

[207] Leeds Mercury, 10 February 1911.

[208] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 10 February 1912.

[209] Farndale, Joseph Esq, Bradford District Museums and Galleries.

[210] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 29 August 1912.

[211] Leeds Mercury, 28 January 1913.

[212] Leeds Mercury, 29 May 1913.

[213] Shipley Times and Express, 30 May 1913.

[214] Leeds Mercury, 12 September 1913.

[215] Daily Citizen (Manchester), Aberdeen Press and Journal, Lancashire Evening Post, Manchester Courier, Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, Birmingham Daily Post, Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Newcastle Journal, 1 January 1914, Sheffield Independent, 1 January 1914, Bradford Daily Telegraph, 1 January 1914.

[216] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 1 January 1914.

[217] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 9 April 1914.

[218] Dundee Evening Telegraph, 6 July 1914.

[219] Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 10 July 1914.

[220] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 25 September 1914.

[221] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 30 September 1914.

[222] Defence of the Realm Act 1914, UK Parliament.

[223] Leeds Mercury, 6 October 1914.

[224] Aliens in Great Britain, E S Roscoe, in Transactions of the Grotius Society, Volume 16, pages 65 to 72.

[225] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 16 October 1914.

[226] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 20 October 1914.

[227] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 4 November 1914.

[228] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1914.

[229] Leeds Mercury, 22 January 1915.

[230] Yorkshire Evening Post, 4 June 1915.

[231] Yorkshire Post, 21 December 1915.

[232] Yorkshire Evening Post, 18 January 1916.

[233] Leeds Mercury, 5 August 1916.

[234] Leeds Mercury, 6 October 1916.

[235] Leeds Mercury, 16 July 1917.

[236] Yorkshire Post, 11 March 1918.

[237] Shipley Times and Express, 31 May 1918.

[238] Leeds Mercury, 31 March 1920.

[239] Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 15 March 1921.

[240] Kinematograph Weekly, 3 July 1919.

[241] Yorkshire Post, 15 September 1921.

[242] Kinematograph Weekly, 22 September 1921.

[243] Hull Daily Mail, 19 January 1922.

[244] Scotsman, 30 October 1922 also reported in Leeds Mercury, 30 October 1922.

[245] Leeds Mercury, 15 March 1923.

[246] Leeds Mercury, 23 April 1923.

[247] Yorkshire Post, 1 May 1923.

[248] Leeds Mercury, 30 May 1923.

[249] Yorkshire Post, 31 May 1923.

[250] Bradford Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1924.

[251] Hull Daily Mail, 11 January 1924.

[252] Daily Evening Telegraph, 28 February 1924.

[253] Halifax Evening Courier, 3 June 1924, also in Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1924, Yorkshire Post, 3 June 1924, Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1924 and Edinburgh Gazette, 6 June 1924.

[254] Leeds Mercury, 2 September 1924.

[255] Evening Courier, 2 September 1924.

[256] Leeds Mercury, 27 September 1924.

[257] Yorkshire Post, 2 May 1925 also reported in Halifax Evening Courier, 21 May 1925.

[258] The Citizen, 29 June 1925.

[259] Leeds Mercury, 10 December 1925.

[260] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 17 December 1926 also reported in Leeds Mercury, 17 December 1926.

[261] Nottingham Journal, 28 March 1927.

[262] Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 5 September 1927.

[263] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 30 April 1928.

[264] Leeds Mercury, 29 June 1928.

[265] Leeds Mercury, 11 January 1929.

[266] Leeds Mercury, 24 June 1929.

[267] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 24 July 1929.

[268] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 13 November 1929 also reported in Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 14 November 1929.

[269] Tamworth Herald, 23 November 1929 also reported in Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 November 1929.

[270] Leeds Mercury, 23 December 1929.

[271] Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 January 1930.

[272] Edinburgh Evening News, 22 January 1930.

[273] Western Daily Press, 22 January 1930.

[274] Shipley Times and Express, 1 February 1930.

[275] Leeds Mercury, 20 March 1930 also reported in Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 20 March 1930.

[276] Leeds Mercury, 11 December 1930.

[277] Leeds Mercury, 20 December 1930.

[278] Leeds Mercury, 6 February 1931.

[279] Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1930 and reported in multiple newspapers.

[280] Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 18 December 1930.

[281] Nottingham Journal, 18 December 1930.

[282] Bradford Observer, 2 September 1936 also reported in Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 2 September 1936, Bradford Observer, 2 September 1936, Bradford Observer, 5 September 1936, Bradford Observer, 7 September 1936.

[283] Leeds Mercury, 10 July 1937.

[284] Leeds Mercury, 1 January 1938, also reported in Dundee Courier, 1 January 1938, Western Morning News, 1 January 1938, Northern Whig, 1 January 1938, Leeds Mercury, 1 January 1938, Bradford Observer, 1 January 1938, Huddersfield and Holmfirth Examiner, 1 January 1938.

[285] Halifax Evening Courier, 5 November 1938, Yorkshire Evening Post, 7 November 1938, Leeds Mercury, 8 November 1938, Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 8 November 1938.

[286] South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times, 23 December 1938.

[287] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 1 February 1939.

[288] Bradford Observer, 5 October 1939.

[289] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 26 October 1939.

[290] Bradford Observer, 25 September 1942.

[291] Bradford Observer, 6 November 1945.

[292] Yorkshire Observer, 12 July 1951.

[293] GRO Volume 2c page 121.

[294] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 24 February 1954, also reported in Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 26 February 1954, Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 25 February 1954, Yorkshire Observer, 26 February 1954.

[295] Halifax Daily Courier & Guardian, 24 February 1954.

[296] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[297] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[298] Surrey Advertiser, 17 July 1937, Surrey Advertiser, 9 October 1937.

[299] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[300] Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 6 July 1939.

[301] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 7 July 1939.

[302] Western Daily Press, 14 July 1939.

[303] Surrey Advertiser, 23 September 1939.

[304] Aldershot News, 15 December 1939.

[305] West Sussex Gazette, 28 December 1939.

[306] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[307] Surrey Advertiser, 17 February 1940.

[308] Surrey Advertiser, 10 June 1944.

[309] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[310] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[311] Derby Daily Telegraph, 10 May 1948.

[312] Surrey Mirror, 6 January 1950.

[313] Crawley and District Observer, 6 July 1951.

[314] Surrey Mirror, 26 September 1952.

[315] Surrey Mirror, 19 December 1952.

[316] Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 30 December 1952.

[317] Manchester Evening News, 28 January 1953.

[318] Surrey Mirror, 26 February 1954.

[319] Surrey Mirror, 9 April 1954.

[320] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[321] Surrey Mirror, 4 November 1955.

[322] Probate Index, letters.

[323] Surrey Mirror and County Post, 18 June 1965.