Photo of Henley Police Station built 1854 at the rear of the old town hall
The Henley Archaeological and Historical Group’s regular series of lectures resumed after the Summer break on 1st October with an insightful and enlightening talk on Policing in Henley on Thames. This was given by Andrew King, a native of Henley who was a member of the Thames Valley Constabulary from 1971. His presentation was based on extensive research in the Oxfordshire archives and the press.
The earliest recorded form of law and order in the town was the mediaeval system of frankpledge, where senior members of society bore responsibility for producing lawbreakers in court. This was later replaced by the (unwaged) Parish Constable, who in Henley was selected annually by the Warden or Mayor. The earliest recorded were John Gravett and Richard Collins in 1542, and a rare list of names from 1715 to 1735 survives in the Oxfordshire History Centre.
In 1830, a committee appointed by Henley Town Council recommended establishing a more convenient gaol in the town and employing two salaried constables. Perhaps the most prominent of these was Henry Stephens who served at least from 1834 to 1863. In 1854, the Lock Up, situated behind the old Town Hall (pictured) was built and survived until the demolition of the Town Hall in 1900.
The officers of the law had a busy time. Besides keeping order, they had murders to deal with. In 1800, Edward Thorn, of the White Horse, was convicted of murdering his servant, Amy Jacobs. And in 1839 Fanny Phillips, an 84-year-old widow in Woodcote was robbed and murdered by Charles Morley; the investigation and arrest were conducted by Constable Stephens of Henley.