Calling the Powers that Be to account

Before the modern structure of the council, much of the day to day running of Portsmouth was conducted by Constables who were paid officials. Complaints about their conduct could be made in the local courts and if the complaints were found valid, monetary punishment could be made. In 1554 the Portsmouth Constables were presented at Court for failure to ensure monthly that all people between the ages of 7 and 60 had bows and arrows. At this time there were 3 constables and they were each fined 12 pence. In 1618 some citizens were discontented with the way the town was run. The constables of Portsmouth were presented to the sessions court: ‘for neglectynge ther office in suffering and not punishing vakabondes, rogges and numskulls to stay in the towne contrary to the Statute’. A similar complaint was made in 1620 and 1627: ‘We present the Constables of the Burrough that they amend the Stocks, Cage, and Whipping Posts and Pillory at or before the first day of December next on paine to loose Vis. VIIId.’