Join the Exeter Memories Police of the Exeter City Force in the 19th-Century
Page updated 10th December 2017
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Chief Constable Captain
Showers 1889 from a photo by Denney. He was the Chief Constable when
the Waterbeer Street Police Station was opened, and during the Theatre
Royal fire.
Updated Page - This page is now based on research made by Peter Hinchliffe and David Cornforth. Police numbers did not appear in the rolls until 1847, when David Steel was appointed Head Constable. The ledger covering the period 1873 to 1918, has not yet been found, although a few known personnel are included in the list from my own research. The additional notes have been gleaned from the proceedings of the Guildhall court, as recorded by Trewman's Exeter Flying Post through the 19th-Century. (1) indicates additional details from records 1843 to 1845.
The old Sergeant-at-Mace and watchmen system of policing disappeared with the Municipal Corporation Act of 1835, that decreed that all boroughs create a Watch Committee of Councillors and Aldermen to oversee local policing, and that a Superintendent be employed to run the force. The system in Exeter was not well run in the first few years and it took Superintendent David Steele, who was appointed in 1847, to eradicate the drunkenness and laziness that was rampant in the force. By 1873, the City Police force had 30 constables covering 12 beats and 1,800 acres. There were four inspectors, two at night, two in the day.
Police helmets were introduced in 1873, and in 1888, a new, purpose built police station opened in Waterbeer Street, complete with a telephone line to the Devon County Police Station in New North Road. The first bicycle was purchased in 1899 and the first equipment for taking fingerprints acquired in 1904. The first police-dog was a gift from the Chief Constable in 1915.
Three City of Exeter police officers were killed during the First World War, and several men won awards for bravery. Police boxes were introduced in 1925, and a police van was purchased in 1933, along with a light motor-cycle. At the start of the Second World War, The City Police Force had 89 regular policemen, seven police reserves and 29 war reserve constables. Special Constable Harold Luxton lost his life in the May 1942 blitz and six other officers were injured, doing their duty.
The first female officer was PW1 Phyllis Wooldridge, who joined in 1949. The old faithful Waterbeer Street premises were vacated in 1959, and the force moved into the new Heavitree Police Station. The end for the Exeter City Police was in February 1966 when they merged with the Devon Police to become the Exeter City Division of the Devon and Exeter Constabulary. Also see the list of Exeter's Police post 1919.
See Full History of the Exeter City Police.
If you are descended from one of Exeter's 19th-Century Policemen why not email me with details of your connection
| Name | Forename | Number | Joined | Left | Reason for Leaving if Known | Other notes |
| ABRAHAM | John | 34 | 1867 | – | – | William Howard and George Bickell were charged with rescuing a prisoner who been arrested by Abrahams for drunkenness in St Sidwell's. They encouraged a mob to harass the policeman, throw him to the ground and take the prisoner back from the constable. Bickell was fined 40s and Howard 20s. |
| ACKFORD | – | 20 | 1847 | 1848 | Resigned | – |
| ACKFORD | – | 20 | 4.9.58 | 7.1.59 | Resigned | <– |
| ADAMS | George | 14 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| ADAMS | Thomas | 27 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| ASH | John | 30 | 1865 | – | Resigned Ill Health | "Daniel M'Lean was charged by P.C. Ash, with being drunk last night, at about eleven o'clock, in Guinea Street, and unable to take care of himself. The defendent said that he was a discharged soldier, and had been to visit some relatives at Plymouth. The Magistrates dismissed him with a caution." and "Susanna Berry and Jane Thomas were charged by P.C. Ash and Steer with fighting in the public street, shortly after one o'clock on Sunday morning. Berry was fined 10s, and Thomas 2s 6d." |
| AXFORD | – | 17 | 1861 | – | Dismissed | "Jane Mardon, a fish-vendor, was brought up by P.C. Axford for committing a nuisance by throwing the entrails of a hake about the public street. He told her of the offence when she became abusive, and in answer to the officer, said she was, "Mrs. Come-and-go-again," and afterwards"Mrs Straw-mot." He then took her into custody, when she gave her correct name. Defendent said the officer told her of it, and she then went and picked it up again. She had been a vendor of fish many years and this was the first charge ever produced against her. Fined 2s 6d., and expenses, or a week's imprisonment." PC Axford gave evidence in several other cases, mostly of drunkennness and fighting between 1862/3 only. |
| BABBAGE | Hiram | 12 | 1869 | – | – | – |
| BACK | – | 22 | 3.3.55 | 11.2.56 | Dismissed | – |
| BAKER | – | 23 | 1847 | 1850 | Resigned | – |
| BAKER | – | 24 | 1847 | 1853 | Dismissed | Samual Shepherd was charged with being drunk and kicking PC Baker in 1874. |
| BAKER | – | 29 | ?.1.61 | – | Dismissed | |
| BAKER | William | 37 | 1873 | – | – | – |
| BAMLEY | – | 16 | 2.9.54 | 6.1.66 | Died | "JOHN SAVERY, a youth of about eighteen years of age, a "lumper," was fined 5s. and expenses, or in default of payment to be imprisoned for a week, for illusing a half-witted lad, whose name did not transpire, on the Quay, on Thursday afternoon. P.C. Bamsey proved the offence." |
| BASSETT | Joseph | 31 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| BEABLE | – | 26 | 1861 | – | – | – |
| BEAFORD | – | 19 | 3.12.59 | 25.4.61 | Resigned | – |
| BEATS | John | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| BEER | George | 30 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| BEER | James | 10 | 1844 | – | – | – |
| BENT | Thomas | Captain | 1873 | 1886 | Chief Constable | Appointed as the Chief Constable in April 1873, winning 20 votes from the Watch Committee. Captain Urquhart was the next with 9 votes. Although considered a good Chief Constable, he resigned under a cloud, after the Watch Committee leaned on him, and was succeeded by Captain E M Showers. |
| BEST | Robert | 31 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| BRICKNELL | – | 25 | 1861 | – | Dismissed | – |
| BICKNELL | – | 33 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| BIRD | William | Supernumary Inspector B Div. | 7-1837 | 1-1845 | Dismissed for drunkenness | Listed in 1843 as a 38 year old married man with four children. Formerly a cordwainer. |
| BISSETT | – | 28 | 1861 | – | Resigned | – |
| BLACK | – | 3 | – | – | – | – |
| BLACK | William | – | 6-1832 | – | – | – |
| BOLT | – | 29 | 8-1858 | 1861 | Resigned | – |
| BOLT | John | – | 9-1838 | – | – | – |
| BOUNDEY | John | – | 5-1839 | – | – | – |
| BRANSCOMBE | – | 12 | 1862 | – | – | – |
| BRANSCOMBE | – | 22 | 3-1856 | 5-1859 | Resigned | – |
| BRAY | – | 22 | 1847 | 1853 | Resigned | – |
| BROWN | William | – | 9-1837 | – | – | – |
| BURGESS | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| BURNETT | – | 19 | 1862 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| BURNETT | George | 32 | 1865 | – | Dismissed | – |
| BUTCHER | Henry | 21 | 1866 | – | Ill Health | – |
| CASLEY | William | Inspector B Div. | 9-1839 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 42 year old married man with one child. Formerly a labourer. (1) |
| CHURCHILL | – | 27 | 1863 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| CLARK | – | – | 4.2.59 | 1.9.59 | Resigned | – |
| CLARK | – | 17 | 11.4.60 | ?.10.61 | Resigned | – |
| CLARK | – | 11 | 1864 | – | – | – |
| COLEMAN | – | – | 4-1837 | – | – | – |
| COLES | John | 12 | 1847 | 1848 | Dismissed | Reprimanded for being drunk on duty. Made arrest in assault on the landlord of the London Porter House in 1847. |
| COLES | – | 29 | 12.5.58 | 2.10.58 | Dismissed | – |
| COOMBES | – | 25 | 1846 | 1847 | Dismissed | – |
| CORDING | – | 18 | 3.12.59 | 4.10.62 | Resigned | – |
| CROCKER | – | 18 | 1864 | 1851 | Dismissed | – |
| CUMMING | Hugh | Superintendent (Chief Constable) | 1836 | 1847 | Cumming was the sword-bearer of the City when appointed, and he held both offices for a short time, before the office was abolished. The Watch Committee encouraged Cumming to retire as lazyness and drunken behaviour were still rife among the officers. Succeeded by Superintendent David Steele in 1847. He died in 1875. | |
| DALGLISH | – | 21 | 1847 | 1850 | Resigned | – |
| DAMERELL | Samuel | – | 8-1842 | – | – | – |
| DAVEY | – | 9 | 1862 | – | – | – |
| De SCHMIDT | Eric | – | 1911 | 1913 | Chief Constable | Appointed from the Devon Constabulary where he served at Cullompton. He changed his name to Spence at the outbreak of war. He resigned to became Chief Constable in Carlisle. |
| DEACON | Thomas | – | 2-1844 | 11-1845 | Dismissed by the Mayor | – |
| DIMOND | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| DOWN | John | – | 2-1844 | – | – | – |
| DOWN | – | 31 | 1863 | – | Dismissed | – |
| DUNN | William | 32 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| DYMOND | John | 13 | 1870 | – | – | Detective Sergeant Dymond was awarded £7 for his diligence when working on a case of illegal betting. Detective Dymond was still serving in 1911 when he was awarded a medal on the occasion of the Coronation of George V. He was a detective by 1889. |
| EDMONDS | Henry | 38 | 1871 | – | – | – |
| ELLER?? | John | 18 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| ELLICOMBE | James | – | 1-1836 | – | – | Joined the Day Police in 1836 and worked as a butcher. He was 33 years old and married with one child in 1843. Promoted to Captain of Night Police, B Div., 1843. Mentioned in 1847 in a case of eight stolen goldfish that were offered for sale by Visick the chemist. The fish were stolen from Knowle Cottage, Sidmouth the property of ... wait for it ... Mr Thomas L Fish. PC Ellicombe was inspector of the Lower Market and often prosecuted traders for unfit fish and meat. He was in the first intake of officers under Superintendant Steele in 1847. (1) |
| ELLIS | John | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| ELSTON | – | 28 | 3.11.56 | 7.2.57 | Resigned | – |
| EMERY | Edward | – | 9-1839 | – | – | – |
| ENGLAND | William | – | 9-1839 | – | – | – |
| ESSERY | Thomas | 32 | 1870 | – | – | PC Essery gave evidence in court several times from 1874, mostly for drunkenness and fast driving. One case was for being "drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cab." |
| FALL | – | 30 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| FEY | John | 35 | 1869 | – | – | – |
| FLETCHER | William | 37 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| FOLLAND | – | 30 | 1864 | – | Dismissed | – |
| FORD | Richard | 25 | 1865 | – | – | – |
| FOSLE | – | 18 | 1862 | – | – | – |
| FOSTER | Thomas | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| FOSTER | George | 18 | 1865 | – | Dismissed | – |
| FOURACRE | Thomas | – | 1-1836 | – | – | A former coach maker, Fouraker was 39 years old, married with three children in 1843. One of the last policemen to wear silver lace on his uniform. He became a sergeant-at-mace and died in 1883 to be replaced by William Shipcott. (1) |
| FULFORD | – | 14 | 3.11.55 | 6.12.56 | Allowed to resign | – |
| FULFORD | William | 11 | 9-1842 | – | Inspector 1848 | In 1843, Fulford was listed as a Day Officer of 32 years, married with three children. Promoted to Captain of the Night Police, A Div., in 1843. He joined the police in 1842 and was formerly a brick maker. Was an Inspector by 1848. Mentioned in a case regarding the theft of some lead and copper, and in 1847, a case of desertion from the 81st Regiment. (1) |
| GINGHAM | John | – | 1-1830 | – | – | – |
| GITTISHAM | James | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| GITTISHAM | – | 28 | 7.8.58 | 2.10.58 | Resigned | – |
| GOODFATE | – | 15 | 1847 | 1848 | Resigned | – |
| GUPPY | – | 17 | 1847 | 1852 | Resigned | – |
| GUPPY | George | 28 | 7.2.57 | – | Inspector 3.4.58 | – |
| GUPPY | John | 38 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| HALE | – | 19 | 1847 | 1864 | Resigned Ill Health Gratuity | – |
| HAMLYN | Richard | – | 7-1834 | – | – | – |
| HARRIS | – | 29 | 3.10.57 | 3.4.58 | Resigned | – |
| HARRIS | – | 15 | 1862 | – | – | – |
| HARTSWELL | – | 15 | 1862 | – | Dismissed | – |
| HAYMAN | – | 19 | 1861 | – | Dismissed | – |
| HAYWARD | William | – | 9-1839 | – | – | – |
| HILL New | John James Harris | 57 | 10-1886 St Thomas |
10-1912 | Retired | Transferred to City of Exeter Force 8 November 1910 from St Thomas. Commended by Watch Committee for courageous and prompt action in stopping a runaway horse in New North Road on 27 June 1902: commended by Superintendent 'N' Division Devon Constabulary for meritorious conduct in apprehending three young men who had broken a shop window at Crediton and committed a robbery |
| HOARE | John | – | 8-1842 | – | – | – |
| HOLE | John | – | 5-1836 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 36 year old married man with one child. Formerly a gardener. (1) |
| HOLWAY | James | 11 | 7.2.57 | 7.5.57 | Resigned | – |
| HOOKWAY | James | – | 6-1844 | – | – | – |
| HOOPER | Henry | – | 6-1834 | – | – | – |
| HOOPER | Henry | Supernumary Inspector B Div. | 6-1844 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a Supernumary Inspector of the Night Police. He was 23 years old, mariied. Formerly a coach trimmer. (1) |
| HOWARD | Richard | – | 1845 | – | – | Mentioned in a case of assault in 1856 and was involved in checking weights at the Lower Market in 1861. Became a Sergeant at Mace. |
| HOWARD | William | Day Officer | 4-1827 | – | – | In 1843 Howard was a married man with five children, 61 years. Formerly a harness maker. (1) |
| HUTCHINGS | – | 32 | 1863 | – | – | – |
| JOHNS | – | 28 | 5.6.58 | 3.7.58 | Dismissed | – |
| JORDAN | Robert | – | 8-1842 | – | – | – |
| JOSEPH | B | 11 | 4.8.54 | 28.12.54 | Dismissed | – |
| JOSLIN | William | Inspector | 7-1835 | 6-1846 | Died | In 1843 listed as a married day officer of 32 years, employed as a cordwainer. Promoted to Captain of the Night Police A Div., in 1843. (1) |
| KEEN | John | – | 2-1844 | – | – | – |
| KERSWELL | Charles | – | 10-1844 | – | – | – |
| KERSWELL | John | – | 8-1842 | 3-1844 | Dismissed by Mayor - drunk | – |
| LABDON | Joseph | 15 | 1865 | – | – | – |
| LAKE | Issac | 11(?) | 7.2.57 | Inspector Feb 1864 | – | – |
| LAKE | – | 22 | 5.2.59 | 1.10.59 | Resigned | – |
| LAKE | Thomas | 12 | 1861 | – | Dismissed | – |
| LANDEREY | Joseph | – | 1847 | – | – | – |
| LANG | William | 22 | 12.1.53 | 21.12.54 | Dismissed | Supernumary policeman. |
| LASCELLES | Henry | Day Officer | 9-1830 | – | In 1843, Lascelles was listed as married, with four children and 40 years of age. He wasformerly a fuller. Became a Sergeant at Mace. (1) By 1847 he was a Sergeant. | |
| Le MESSIER | John | – | 1888 | 1890 | Chief Constable | Formerly of the Metropolitan Police, le Mesurier was a 28 year old Detective Sergeant when he was appointed Chief Constable of Exeter. He went on to became Chief Constable of Portsmouth. |
| LEWIS | Samuel | 20 | 1.8.57 | 4.9.58 | Resigned | Detective Sergeant by 1900. Inspector Lewis was still serving in 1911 when he was awarded a medal on the occasion of the Coronation of George V. |
| LEY | Edward | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| LEY | Nicholas | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| LEY | Richard | – | – | 1845 | – | – |
| LIPPETT | William | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| LONEY | James | – | 6-1842 | – | Resigned – neglect of duty | – |
| LUCAS | Thomas | 14 | 1847 | 1849 | Resigned | – |
| LUXTON | William | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| MALLETT | – | 20 | 16.6.54 | – | Dismissed | – |
| MALTELL | – | – | 5.11.59 | 3.12.59 | Dismissed | – |
| MARE | John | 36 | 1867 | – | Dismissed | – |
| MARKS | Robert | – | 1847 | – | – | – |
| MARTIN | Henry | 27 | 1865 | – | – | – |
| MARTYN | – | 23 | 4.8.55 | – | – | – |
| MEAD | John | 27 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| MEARDON | Thomas | 15 | 1865 | – | – | PC Meardon had Samuel Martin, dairyman, prosecuted for creating a disturbance and assaulting the officer, at the Rising Sun Inn, Russell Street. Martin "gave the officer a blow in the face and one or two kicks." Fined 10s and expenses. |
| MELUISH | James | – | 10-1843 | 1-1845 | Dismissed for Drunkeness | – |
| MELHUISH | William | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| MELLISH | John | 14 | 1871 | – | – | – |
| MERRIFIELD | Thomas | 16 | 1847 | – | Resigned Rejoined as Inspector 1850, Resigned “57 | – |
| MERRIFIELD | William | Inspector - A Div | 1-1830 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 43 year old, married with five children. Formerly a brush maker. (1) |
| MILFORD | George | 32 | 1865 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| MILFORD | – | 29 | 6.6.57 | 10.8.57 | Resigned | – |
| MILLER | Robert | – | 1-1837 | – | – | – |
| MILLMAN | John | – | 8-1842 | – | – | – |
| MILTON | Francis | – | 8-1844 | – | – | – |
| MITCHELL | Henry | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| MITCHELL | William | – | 1847 | – | – | – |
| MOCK | John | 10 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| MOGFORD | Henry | 28 | 1865 | – | Died on Quay Aug 67 Life gratuity | PC Mogford is mentioned in three cases at the Guildhall, all in 1867. All cases were minor including out of hours drinking at the Duke Of York Sidwell Street and leaving a horse and cart unattended. Superintendent Steel reported to the Watch Committee in October 1867 that PC Mugford had tripped over a large block of mahogany and fallen into the quay and drowned. |
| MOORE | George | 11 | – | – | – | In 1854, William Hore was marched to the police station by his mother after he showed her a dagger, which he claimed to have purchased from Robert Cockram for 4½d. PC Moore discovered the dagger had been taken from Mr Ebenezer Greenslade's shop window in North Street. Cockram was charged with the theft and "sentenced to a week's imprisonment with hard labour and to be once flogged". |
| MOORE | – | 28 | 2.10.58 | 7.7.60 | Ill Health £10 gratuity | – |
| MOORE | – | 30 | 1863 | – | – | – |
| MOORE | George | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| MORGAN | William | Day Officer | 6-1816 | – | – | Married man with four children of 61 years in 1843 - cordwainer by profession. (1) |
| MORTIMER | John | 21 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| MORTIMORE | – | 11 | 3.3.55 | 17.7.56 | Dismissed | – |
| NEWBERRY | – | – | 4.8.54 | 8.8.54 | Resigned | Also served in St Thomas with the Devon Constabulary |
| NEWTON | – | 31 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| NICHOLSON | Arthur | – | 1913 | 1931 | Chief Constable | – |
| NORDEN | – | 13 | 1863 | – | Dismissed | – |
| NORMAN | William | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| NOTT | William | 16 | 1867 | – | – | PC Nott prosecuted a cart owner for obstructing the highway at St David's Hill in 1868. |
| OAKFORD | John | – | 1847 | – | – | – |
| OSMENT | Samuel | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| OTTERY | – | 17 | 3.12.59 | 4.2.60 | Dismissed | – |
| PACKER | Joseph | 27 | 1867 | – | Dismissed | – |
| PALMER | George | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| PARK | Charles | 17 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| PARNELL | John | 12 | 1865 | – | Dismissed | – |
| PATEY | John | 37 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| PEDRICK | Bill | 12 | 1867 | – | allowed to resign | – |
| PERRIAM | Henry | – | 12-1843 | – | – | – |
| PHILLIPS | John | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| PHILLIPS | Henry | 17 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| PICKARD | – | 19 | 1862 | – | Ill Health gratuity £25 | – |
| PIKE | – | 14 | 6.12.56 | 17.8.57 | Resigned | – |
| PLYMOUTH | Robert | 21 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| POOK | Bill | 17 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| PRATT | John | 27 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| PRESTON | – | 25 | 3.2.55 | – | Inspector 1860 | – |
| PROSSER | John | 24 | 1867 | – | Dismissed | – |
| RADCLIFF | William | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| RADMORE | John | – | 12-1843 | – | – | – |
| RAMBDOR | – | 29 | 3.1.57 | 25.1.57 | Resigned | – |
| READ | George | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| REDDAWAY | Richard | Inspector B Div. | 9-1838 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 40 year old married man with five children. Formerly a porter. (1) |
| RIDDLOR | Ralph | 37 | 1869 | – | Dismissed | – |
| ROBERTS | – | 28 | ?.11.60 | ?.4.61 | Resigned | – |
| RODGERS | – | 25 | 1862 | – | – | – |
| RODGERS | Edward | 32 | 1867 | – | Dismissed | – |
| ROWE | – | 11 | 6.9.56 | 7.2.57 | Resigned | – |
| RUBY | William | 28 | 1867 | – | – | PC Ruby is mentioned in three cases at the Guildhall at this time. One case was "Edwin Rice, a youth, was charged with playing at pitch and toss on Saturday night. The defendent was seen by PC Ruby with a dozen other lads engaged in the game. Fined 2s 6d and expenses." |
| RUTLEY | Bill | 20 | 1871 | – | – | – |
| SALTER | James | 19 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| SAMPSON | – | 36 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| SANDERS | James | Night Policeman 3 | 1-1837 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 40 year old married man with four children. Formerly a Tile cutter. (1) |
| SANDERS | William | Captain of Night Police B Div |
1-1830 | 6-1845 | Dismissed by Watch committee | A former cordwainer, Sanders was a 60 year old, married man with three children in 1843. Appointed as Inspector in 1841 to B Division. (1) |
| SANDFORD | Joe | 31 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| SAVAGE | Samuel | – | 1845 | 11-1845 | Suspended | – |
| SERCOMBE | – | 18 | 1865 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| SERCOMBE | Joseph | Inspector B Div. | 7-1832 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 63 year old married man with four children. Formerly a tailor. (1) |
| SEWARD | John | 33 | 1871 | – | – | – |
| SHEPCOTT | – | 22 | 3.12.59 | – | – | – |
| SHEPPARD | – | 21 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| SHORT | John | 29 | 1861 | – | Became Chief Constable | Rose through ranks to become Chief Constable in 1893. In 1879, he took the suspect Annie Tooke into custody for questioning; it was Annie Tooke who murdered a baby called Reginald Hide. Was commended for gallantry during the Theatre Royal fire of 1888 and presented with a 'Star of Silver Braid' to be worn on the left-sleeve. |
| SHOWERS | Capt Edward | – | 1886 | 1888 | Chief Constable | An officer of the 95th Regiment, he had served with the Devon Constabulary for two years, and was Superintendent at Bow. He tendered his resignation after two momentous years during which the police station at Waterbeer Street opened and the Theatre Royal fire killed 188; the role of the police during the fire was praised and the Chief Constable was given additional powers for checking public premises for fire risk. He left to become Chief Constable of Essex. He was succeeded by Mr H B le Mesurier. |
| SHUTE | George | 35 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| SKINNER | – | 12 | 1865 | – | Inspector 1870 | – |
| SKINNER | – | 14 | 3.10.57 | – | Inspector April 1871 | – |
| SLOGGETT | – | 10 | 1870 | – | – | – |
| SMALE | Thomas | – | 9-1840 | 2-1844 | Dismissed for drunkensess | – |
| SMALE | Thomas | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| SMYTHE | – | 13 | 1847 | 1848 | Resigned | – |
| SOPER | James | – | 1845 | – | – | – |
| SPARKES | – | 17 | 5.3.59 | 3.9.58. | Dismissed | – |
| SPRAGUE | John | – | 9-1843 | – | – | – |
| STANBURY | James | 21 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| STANLAKE | – | 28 | 1864 | – | Ill Health | – |
| STEELE | David | – | 1847 | 1873 | Head Constable | Originally an officer in the Metropolitan Police, Steele was Superintendent of Barnstaple when appointed to Exeter, at the age of 29. He introduced many new ideas, and could be said, to be the first modern Chief Constable. However, towards the end of his tenure, bread riots in 1867 caused the Mayor to lose confidence in the City Police Force's ability to handle the situation. Along with this, the Devon Police Force had grown and Exeter was compared unfavourably in comparison. In all, it was perceived that the Exeter City Police was not as efficient as it should be. Steele was succeeded by Captain Thomas Bent. |
| STEER | – | 9 | 3.1.57 | 27.5.67 | Inspector 3.5.62 | – |
| STEVENS | John | 16 | 1866 | – | – | – |
| STONEMAN | – | 31 | 1865 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| STONEMAN | William | 28 | 1872 | – | – | – |
| STUCKES | William | Day Officer | 1-1836 | – | – | In 1843 listed as a married man with four children and employed as a joiner. Mentioned in a case at the North Bridge where a man was not in control of two horses and a wagon. (1) |
| SWAINE | – | 12 | 3.12.59 | 3.3.60 | Dismissed | – |
| TAYLOR | James | – | 1-1830 | – | – | – |
| TAYLOR | John | Inspector - A Div. | – | – | – | In 1837 when PC Taylor and Burnett were patrolling Fore Street "they were saluted with the liquid contents of some vessel, which descended from an upper window on their heads, gave rather an unpleasant turn to the current of thought, which was further heightened by a hearty laugh raised at he Dogberys' expense. On the part of the defendant it was contended that this christening was purely accidental." The defendant, John Strout was fined "2s. with expenses, which brought the amount up to a crown." In 1843 Taylor was listed as a 39 year old Inspector, married with 5 children. (1) |
| TAYLOR | Thomas | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| TILLEY | Thomas | 13 | 1871 | – | – | Proof that even the gentry were hauled in on occasion "Mr. R. Thornton West, Streatham Hall, was summoned for permitting putrid matter to be drawn through the city at eight o'clock on Thursday morning. P.C. Tilley proved the case. Mr Shepherd, bailiff to Mr West, answered the summons. The Magistrates inflicted a penalty of 2s 6d and expenses." |
| TRAPNELL | – | 26 | 1861 | – | – | "Elizabeth Farley was brought up by P.C. Trapnell, charged with using obscene language in Fore-street, on Sunday morning about one o'clock. Defendent admitted the offence and said she was insulted first and then she returned it. On referring to the index book Mr Superintendent Steel found seven charges against her for similar offences. Sentenced to twenty-one days' imprisonment." |
| TREMLETT | – | – | 8.8.54 | 5.2.59 | Resigned | – |
| TUCKETT | – | 19 | 2.1.58 | 3.9.59 | Resigned | – |
| TUCKETT | – | 15 | 1863 | – | – | – |
| VAUGHAN | Thomas | 5 | 7-1807 | – | If these are the same man he was 72 yrs | Aged 68 in 1843, he was married with four children. He was a combmaker. One of the last policemen to wear silver lace on his uniform. (1) |
| VICARY | John | – | 10-1844 | – | – | – |
| VICKERY | Jack | 27 | 1867 | – | Dismissed | – |
| WAKEHAM | Thomas | 32 | 1869 | – | – | – |
| WARE | William | Night Policeman 1 | 3-1836 | – | – | Listed in 1843 as a 38 year old married man with three children. Formerly a labourer. (1) |
| WARREN | William | – | 8-1842 | – | – | – |
| WARREN | Borlase | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| WEBBER | John | – | 1846 | – | – | – |
| WEBBER | – | 12 | 11.4.60 | 6.12.60 | Resigned | – |
| WEBBER | – | 27 | 1870 | – | – | – |
| WEEKS | – | 12 | 4.10.56 | 5.9.59 | Resigned | – |
| WEEKS | James | 24 | 1867 | – | – | – |
| WELLS | Aron | 31 | 1865 | – | Allowed to resign | – |
| WHITBURN | – | 18 | 1847 | – | Inspector 1857 | – |
| WHITE | Charles | – | 1847 | – | – | – |
| WILCOCK | John | 17 | 1865 | – | – | – |
| WILLIAMS | William | 27 | 1868 | – | – | – |
| WILLIAMS | John (Richard Llewellyn?) | – | 1901 | 1911 | Chief Constable | Williams had to cope with the introduction of the motor car, and industrial unrest when his officers were seconded to police strike action elsewhere in the country. Finger print kits and mounted police were introduced under his watch. He died in office in September 1911. |
| WOOD | – | 22 | 3.5.56 | 5.10.56 | Dismissed | – |
| WOODWARD | John | – | – | 1845 | – | – |
| WOODWARD | William | Night Policemen 2 | – | 1-1837 | – | Listed in 1843 as a 32 year old married man with three children. Formerly a labourer. (1) |
| WOOLCOTT | Frederick | Inspector | – | 9-1830 | – | In 1843 he was listed as a day officer of 39 years old, married with five children, and a cordwainer. Mentioned in a case of goods stolen at the Globe Hotel, St Mary's Yard, the property of a travelling salesman. (1) |
| WOTTON | George | 23 | 1867 | – | – | By 1894 he was a Senior Inspector. |
| WREFORD | – | 10 | 4.3.54 | – | Inspector 1870 | Elected as a Mace-Sergeant in 1882. Was commended for gallantry during the Theatre Royal fire of 1888 and presented with a 'Star of Silver Braid' to be worn on the left-sleeve. |
| WYATT | – | – | – | 1-1838 | – | – |
Source - Roll of Exeter City Police compiled by Peter Hinchliffe with a additional notes by David Cornforth. No part of this list was sourced from the Devon and Cornwall Historic Police Archive.
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