Lock-Ups

Subjects > Lock-Ups

Before the formation of a police force, each parish elected a constable, whose duties included the maintenance of the village lock-up and stocks.

The lock-up was a gaol where those waiting to be brought before the local magistrate were held and drunks and troublemakers were locked up for the night. Most were little more than a secure shed, made available for that purpose by a local farmer and performing other services when not required by the constable.

Local lock-ups fell out of use after the 1839 County Police Act when police stations were built which had their own holding facilities.

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Lock-Ups by Bedfordshire Libraries, 2011

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Page last updated: 3rd February 2014