Plymouth Hoe Constable
1836 - ?
'Alert, energetic and a terror to unruly boys.' Just one Plymothian's description of Edward James Kessell, the Constable of Plymouth Hoe circa 1862. Plymouth's historic Hoe and waterfront has been the centre of leisure and recreation in the town since medieval times. In 1530, Westcote wrote "here the townsmen pass their time of leisure in walking, bowling and other pleasant pastimes." Indeed, it was Sir Francis Drake who famously played bowls on The Hoe in 1588 whilst awaiting the arrival of the Spanish Armada. Plymouth's naval significance led to parts of The Hoe being used for military purposes, but this did not impinge on the area's recreational appeal. In 1836, a Hoe Committee was established to better manage the upkeep of the grounds and walkways. The Committee was undoubtedly concerned with crime, resulting in the appointment of a Hoe Constable. Plymouth in this time already had a police force, although in 1836 was in its infancy and with significant growing pains. John Eastridge Adams, the first Chief Constable, stepped down after barely a year in office after failing to find a way to successfully manage the day and night police. After Eastridge's tenure concluded, the force was united to a single body.