Act 21

The Victorian Policemen

The story of two Chief Constables and a wartime detective

 

 

A Policeman’s Lot is not a Happy One An introduction from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, 1880

 

Return to the Matrix

 

This Act of the Farndale Story differs from the others. It follows the lives of three individuals in some detail and the Act is quite lengthy as it incorporates contemporary media articles. It reflects attitudes, innovations, society and events from the Victorian Age to the Second World War and provides a unique perspective on social history. Not everyone following the Farndale Story will wish to read the full Act, given its length and detail, so the Act is well interspersd with sub titles, so that those who wish can dip in to topics that might take your fancy.

There is even more for those who are interested in every detail of these three men. A full account of the lives of the elder Joseph Farndale, the younger Joseph Farndale, and Thomas Henry Farndale can be read in their own webpages, but this Act of the Farndale Story brings out the main features of their stories.

 

Part 1 – Joseph Farndale the Chief Constable of Birmingham

Scene 1 - The Middlesbrough Bobby

In 1861, the nineteen year old Joseph Farndale was working as a farmhand, driving the plough one weary day when his employer came up to him and complained about his work. The young man felt that life could be better than that, and he threw down his tools and declared that he would go off and be a policeman.[1]

Thereby Joseph, and later his nephew and his nephew’s nephew, started three long and illustrious careers with the police.

By 1862, the elder Joseph Farndale was a police constable in Middlesbrough, charging one offender with using foul and disgraceful language, and another with being drunk and riotous[2]. He dealt with miscreants who variously stole boots from a market stall[3], were caught as pickpockets[4], stole eight yards of flannel[5] and fought when drunk[6]. Another offender was violent as he was taken to the nick after kicking and drawing a knife[7]. By 1864, Joseph was a police sergeant[8] and in 1865, he married Jane Newton, the daughter of a Middlesbrough coachman[9].

By November 1867, Joseph had been promoted to Police Inspector[10]. He was soon dealing with cases of fraud[11] and he dealt with the mysterious death of a seven year old child from suffocation[12]. His rise was so meteoric that by 1868 he was confident enough to apply for a Police Superintendent/Chief Constable role at Durham[13], for which he was shortlisted, and in the following year he was appointed to be Chief Constable of Chesterfield Police in Derbyshire[14]. By his gentlemanly manners and thorough efficiency as an officer, Mr Farndale has gained the respect of all classes at Middlesbro’; and we have no doubt he will fill the responsible office to which he has been elected with credit to himself and advantage to the community among whom he is placed[15].

 

Scene 2 - The Chesterfield Chief Constable

In 1869, the year he was appointed, he was soon dealing with a case of multiple robberies taking place in the local brothels and opposing applications for the renewal of licences for beerhouses that harboured improper characters[16]. That year he managed to get a raise for all his police officers of 1s per week[17]. In his Chief Constable role, he was also appointed to be the Sanitary Inspector[18] and by 1 January 1870 he had arranged for the opening of new slaughter houses, so that slaughtering of animals in the old Shambles was to be forbidden[19]. He was also appointed Inspector of Weights and Measures, at a salary of £25 per year[20] and borough inspector under the Factory Act[21].

Joseph appeared regularly in court and was even involved in cross examination of witnesses. When a labourer of Chesterfield was charged with cutting and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Church Walk, Chesterfield, the prisoner, as he was referred to, asked another witness “If you tell the truth about that knife, I gave your wife a gill of beer for it”. Joseph Farndale quickly stepped in and asked him “Then you don’t deny it was your knife”, to which the prisoner responded that he didn’t.[22]

Control of Dogs

In August 1870, John Crampton, medical botanist, was charged, that after public notice had been given directing dogs to be confined on suspicion of canine madness, he did suffer his dog to be at large during the time specified. He was also charged with being drunk and riotous on Friday last. Mr Farndale said the man was a thorough nuisance to the town.[23]

In August 1871, Joseph was able to report that Gentlemen. I beg to state that since your last meeting the town has been free from offences of a serious nature; that the conduct of the offices and constables with one exception has been good, and they have been active in the discharge of their various duties. There has been a considerable decrease in indictable offences, as compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year, and a slight increase in cases determined summarily.[24]

Within a short time, Joseph Farndale was making a further move to promotion to the Chief Constable of the Leicester Police and he was selected for that role in October 1871 out of a pool of sixty candidates[25]. The deputy town clerk read Mr Farndale's letter resigning his post, which concluded by a hearty expression of thanks to the Mayor and members of the Council for their assistance in the duties he had to perform[26]. It was remarked that it is a great proof of Mr Farndale's high position in his profession that the testimonials of those with whom he has come in contact during his career should have been so favourable[27].

 

Scene 3 - Chief Constable of Leicester Police

Joseph Farndale probably from his time with the Leicester Police Force[28]

Joseph Farndale was appointed Head Constable of Leicester Police on 27 October 1871. He replaced Mr Charters. His salary was £220 per annum, with a house included.[29]

Charters was succeeded by Joseph Farndale, who more than anyone else, laid the foundations of the efficient police system which modern Leicester possesses. When Farndale came to Leicester in the 70s the force was only 90 strong, although the population had increased to 25,000 people. Farndale was not long in making changes. He scrapped the tall hats and frock coats which made the constables look more like funeral mules then policemen and substituted helmets and tunics. The townspeople were rather critical of these changes, but in time they came to appreciate that the new uniforms tended to create a cleaner respect for the power of the law. Many of the recruits to the force were not used to discipline, and hardly likely to inspire respect, even if they did create fear. Drunkenness was all too common in the force and the Watch Committee had a difficult job to improve matters. One step in the campaign was taken when Farndale endeavoured to create a team spirit by forming a police band, under the conductorship of Inspector Smith. This soon became one of the most popular institutions of the town. The band played in the municipal square every Friday night and was always in demand for concerts. But alas, good intentions do not always bring the best of results. It was found that the police became much more interested in their music and their concerts then in their duties as policemen, and the Watch Committee had reluctantly to disperse the band. There was at that time an astonishing amount of undetected crime in Leicester for a small town, and Farndale set out to discover the reason. In those days, the practice was to make the person robbed pay the costs of apprehending a prisoner who had left the town after the crime, and many people either could not afford to pay for a police chase or preferred to allow justice to go unsatisfied, rather than make a personal sacrifice. This of course was a ridiculous state of affairs and before long Farndale had persuaded the Watch Committee to allow the cost of such arrests to be borne by the ratepayers. How far Farndale would eventually have gone in this war against crime we are never to know because at the peak of his career he was offered the Chief Constableship of Birmingham and naturally accepted it. Farndale, I remember, was succeeded by James Dunn of Durham whose chief claim to fame was that he altered the system of night beats, following a big sale robbery at Gimson’s Vulcan Works, when thieves got away with £1,000 in cheques and money. In Farndale's time there was a fixed beat system, which enabled criminals to choose their time for a robbery and carry it out more or less at leisure.[30]

A new look for the Leicester Force

Thus it was that in 1872, Joseph Farndale called for a change in image, replacing long frock coats with tunics, heavy rattles with a whistle and chain and high silk hats with lighter caps. He also introduced a probationary period of up to 5 weeks during which time a police officer required to prove his suitability for role. In the same year, sergeants of the Borough wrote to Joseph Farndale to complain about the practice of turning off street lights during summer months.

The perils of throwing orange peel and flying kites

In January 1872, the thoughtless and dangerous practice of throwing orange peel on the causeways was commented upon by the mayor. He called the attention of Head Constable Farndale to the circumstances and he hoped he would give instructions to his men to remove the orange peel from the footpaths whenever they saw it, and that persons would refrain from the culpable habit of endangering the limbs of their fellow creatures. With the aid of the police, and the cooperation of the more reflective portion of the public, it is hoped a check will be put upon this abominable nuisance.[31] The mayor was clearly a person quick to be enraged and in September 1872 the Mayor called the attention of Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable, to the practice of flying kites in the streets, and pointed out the danger of it both to foot passengers and those who were driving, as it was liable to frighten the horses. It had been complained of in the papers and otherwise. He had no wish to debar children from enjoying themselves, but that was not the way to do it. Mr Farndale said he had given instructions to the police to report all cases to the Local Board.[32]

Controlling a protest in 1872

Joseph had to deal with a more serious incident in Leicester that year. In August 1872, from the many manifestations of disapproval evidenced in Leicester during the past week by the issuing of a magisterial order requiring that all public houses be closed, in accordance with the provisions of the Licensing Act, by eleven o’clock at night, it was generally anticipated that Saturday night would have witnessed a very serious tumult.  Accordingly every precaution was adopted by the local authorities to guard against a disturbance, a considerable number of county police being drafted into the town and held in reserve, while all the available borough force was out on duty. In their efforts to preserve the peace, the magistrates were well aided by the publicans, most of whom, especially the occupiers of vaults, took the precaution of putting up their shutters by half past ten o'clock, and intimating to their customers the desirableness of withdrawing quietly at the appointed hour.

As eleven o’clock drew near a large concourse of persons had assembled at the Old Haymarket, the principal thoroughfare, and shortly afterwards the crowd was considerably augmented, until it numbered several thousands, by those who had been turned out of the vaults &c in the neighbourhood. A large body of police, under the charge of Chief Constable Farndale, however, kept them moving for some time. At length one of the mob, named James Stevens, a shoe fisher, who was the worse for liquor, declined to move on and struck the police. He was at once taken into custody, when an attempt was made to rescue him. A large number of policemen then rushed to the aid of their comrade when some of the mob began to throw stones, which struck some of the police, one of whom was also struck with a ginger beer bottle. For a little time it appeared as though this slight skirmish would lead to serious consequences, but the police obtained complete power over their prisoner, and formed in line with their staves drawn at the end of the street. He was quickly conveyed up a bye street to the police station where he was charged with assaulting two of the officers. This coupled with the appearance of a reinforcement of police seemed to act as a deterrent, and the crowd became less dense and more scattered. A successful effort was then made to clear the streets, the spectators being driven before the police, with staves drawn, up the various thoroughfares, and by half past twelve the riot was suppressed.[33]

Rescue from a fire

In the same month, Chief Constable Farndale was passing down the street a little before nine, and saw several persons standing, looking up at the windows above the shop, from which smoke was issuing. Seeing at once what was the matter he immediately despatched messengers to the Borough Fire Brigade, for Mr Tacey’s son, who lives in Leicester, and for Mr Tacey himself, who resides at Humberstone. The brigade was on the spot a few minutes afterwards, and the hose having been attached to the street main, was soon set to play upon the building. The flames did not make their appearance till the door was forced open when they burst forth with a rather threatening aspect. Some fears were expressed regarding the safety of the adjoining property, but happily beyond that caused by the water in one of the upper rooms of the Swan Hotel, no other damage was done. The efforts of the firemen were principally directed to the front shop, and the flames were quenched in a very short time. A ladder was laced against the window of the first storey, and an entrance effected there, but it appears the fire was wholly confined to the ground floor. The counters and several of the other fittings were completely burned, and the entire stock destroyed. We understand the loss is partially covered by insurance.[34]

Joseph’s posse

In October 1872, a posse of police under the superintendence of Head Constable Farndale, were engaged in the preservation of order at Leicester Races.[35]

The Band

In 1873 Chief Constable Joseph Farndale formed the Leicester Borough Police brass band and over the succeeding years they gave concerts in the town’s public parks[36].

 

                                                              Leicester’s popular police band at the turn of the century, with an open topped tram in the background

Joseph’s new office

By August 1873, Now that the plans have been accepted for the new Municipal Buildings, and everything seems in a fair way for operations being commenced, people in the town, who will have to find the where with all, are beginning to grumble and ask what advantage the erection will be to the general public when finished? True it is that the civic rulers may have a chance of “reclining on velvet lining, with sunlight floating o’er” instead of the hard cane bottomed chairs with which they have now to be content. The local bench will then dispense justice in a place consistent with their dignity; Mr Farndale will have a residence befitting his position; and all his subordinates in any way connected with the conduct of town affairs will be able to discharge their duties with more satisfaction to the public and comfort to themselves. This is all as it should be, and there are very few ratepayers who begrudge it.[37]

Joseph’s a jolly good fellow

At the police annual dinner in February 1874, Inspector Newell said they had many privileges since Mr Farndale had been in their midst, which they did not previously enjoy. In fact before Mr Farndale came, he had only had one Sunday in 22 years, and the last was when he went to the Dublin Exhibition in 1851, but now he had one every month. He had therefore great pleasure in proposing the health of Mr Farndale – the toast was drunk with enthusiasm, the band playing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Tune by the Band: “We’ll run ‘em in” which was received with applause. Mr Farndale in responding, said he begged to tender his heartfelt thanks for the kind manner in which they had drunk his health. He felt that the proposer had said a great deal more of him than he was entitled. He might say however that since he had been there he had endeavoured to do his duty to the best of his ability, both to the public and to the force, and judging from the way they had received the toast, he might fairly conclude that he had, to some extent, succeeded with them.[38]

The first salary rise

In November 1874 the Watch Committee recommended an increase in Joseph Farndale’s salary from £250 to £350 per annum. There was some public muttering but the Watch Committee concluded that Now, in regard to Mr Farndale, they had in him a most valuable officer and it was the unanimous opinion of the profession that Mr Farndale was most deserving of the increase proposed.[39]

Branch Stations

One of Joseph’s missions at Leicester was to establish branch stations across the City. In February 1875, the Inspector makes one suggestion which we trust the Town Council will see its way clear to adopt. The same suggestion had been previously made by Chief Constable Farndale, and is one which it is highly essential should be speedily carried out. We refer to the establishment in various localities of divisional station houses, so that the constables may not be taken off their beats so far as to the central police station on every apprehension.[40] Indeed in June 1875, Chief Constable Farndale is very desirous to have branch stations, but for some unexplained cause the Council hesitates to comply with his wish. When a police officer is severely injured in the discharge of his duty, then we suppose something in this direction will be done, but until then our sluggish Corporation prefers to wait.[41]

Feeding poor quality meat to Joseph’s dog

In an article about poor quality meat on 15 May 1875, the meat was destroyed; part of it was given to Mr Farndale’s dog, and three quarters and the head he saw boiled up for the pigs of Mr Gibbs.[42]

After the assault of a wife at Christmas 1877, on Friday evening, last week, between five and six o’clock, Mr Hetley, house surgeon at the Infirmary, intimated to the police authorities that a considerable change for the worse had taken place in the condition of Mrs White, who had been severely burned through her husband throwing a lamp at her on Saturday night last. Mr Farndale at once sent a cab for Mr W Rowlett JP and another for Mr Blackwell, the magistrate’s clerk, in order that depositions of the woman might be taken, and the husband of the woman was also conveyed to the Infirmary so that he might be present.[43]

In September 1879, a presentation was made to the Head Constable of the Borough Police Force (Mr. J Farndale), by the men under his command. The Head Constable has recently been taking his holiday, and during his absence a subscription was entered into by the members of the force for the purpose of presenting him with a token of their attachment to him as their superior officer. Sergeant Poultney said during the seven or eight years Mr Farndale had been amongst them, he had gained the good feeling of every member of the force by the straightforward and honest manner in which he dealt with the men. If a man did his duty, he found himself rewarded, as was proved by the fact that no less than five or six men who had belonged to the force under the command of Mr Farndale, had been appointed to the office of chief constables in other towns. On the other hand, if a man did not do his duty, he got what was called ‘the straight tip’; or rather, he was cautioned, and received another opportunity of pulling himself together by better conduct. He hoped Mr Farndale would live long to look upon the timepiece, and that he would value it not on account of its intrinsic worth, but on account of the good feeling it manifested towards him (applause).[44]

In March 1882, Joseph Farndale left the Leicester Force to become Chief Constable of Birmingham. James Duns took over as Chief Constable by which time the salary was increased to £300 per annum plus rent, rates, free coal and uniform.

 

Scene 4 - Chief Constable of Birmingham City Police

Joseph Farndale was appointed to be chief of the Birmingham Police Force on 24 January 1882[45]. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Leicester, has been appointed chief superintendent of the Birmingham Police Force, at a salary of £700 per annum[46].

Seditious utterings in the force – a portent of an Irish bombing campaign

In May 1882, an early issue was that of seditious utterings within the police force. The new Chief Constable of Birmingham, Mr Joseph Farndale, who has taken the place of Major Bond, has just made a sharp example of an indiscreet member of the force who had been heard to express sympathy with the perpetrators of the recent outrages in Ireland. The constable, who is a young Irishman, and had not long joined the force, used disloyal words in the presence of some of his colleagues, and the matter was immediately laid before the Chief Constable. The office was reported, and his explanation not being deemed satisfactory, he was called upon to resign. This is the first case of the kind that has ever happened in the Birmingham police force. The prompt action of the chief of police has met with general approval, though the severity of the measure appears to have taken the indiscreet officer completely by surprise.[47]

The Ledsam Street Dynamite Conspiracy of 1883

Joseph Farndale’s career at Birmingham was dominated by the Irish Bombing campaigns often called the Fenian Dynamite Campaign, 1881 to 1885[48].

One of the most serious offences committed in Birmingham was discovered when Alfred Whitehead was arrested on 5 April 1883, on the charge of manufacturing nitro-glycerine, or dynamite, at 128 Ledsam Street[49].

Whitehead was a member of the Irish-American party of the Land Leaguers or Home Rulers, who planned outrages to make Ireland free from the galling yoke of Saxon tyranny. Well supplied with funds from New York, Whitehead quietly arranged his small manufactory in Birmingham, buying glycerine from one firm and nitric and sulphuric acids from others, certain members of the conspiracy coming from London to take away the stuff when it was completely mixed. The deliveries of the peculiar ingredients attracted the attention of Gilbert Pritchard, whose chemical knowledge led him to guess what they were required for. He informed his friend, Sergeant Price, of his suspicions. Price and his superior officers made nightly visits to Ledsam Street, getting into the premises, and taking samples for examination. They witnessed Whitehead sending off two lots of explosive to London and when they raided there were 200 lbs weight of explosives found on the premises.

The men who carried it to London were quickly caught with the dynamite in their possession, and with Whitehead were brought to trial and each of them sentenced to penal servitude for life. The dynamite outrages were a significant event in Birmingham in the 1880s. Joseph Farndale, the Chief of Police, was granted an addition to his salary of £100 per year. Inspector Black was promoted to the rank of Superintendent, adding £50 a year to his salary, and was presented with £100 from Government. Sergeant Price, became Inspector, with a rise of £41 12s. a year, and received a bonus of £200. Inspector Rees' salary was raised to two guineas a week, with a gift, of £50. Gilbert Pritchard was rewarded with £50.[50]

   

  

Illustrations from the Dart and the Illustrated London News[51] and also enhanced by AI in colour

Joseph Farndale was involved in a further incidence of the Dynamite Conspiracies only a year later.

In April 1884, another American Fenian conspiracy has been traced to Birmingham. Some time ago, Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, was informed by the Home Office that an American emissary had arrived in the country, and a strict watch was kept on all suspects. They directed their attention more particularly to the house of a man named Jas Egan, described as a commission agent. The police kept a vigilant watch on this man.[52]

Contemporaneous with the capture of Daly, was the arrest of James Francis Egan, thirty eight, clerk, of Kyott’s Lane House, Grafton road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. During the five or six months the premises were watched the observations of the police were regularly reported to Sir Wm Harcourt, Chief constable Farndale making a midnight journey to the Home Office to communicate important information.

As the result of the capture of Egan and Daly, the police hope to make further arrests. Acting under the provisions of the Explosives Act, the Chief constable (Mr Farndale) caused to be searched the apartments of Patrick Hogan, drill instructor of the Birmingham volunteers, a colour sergeant in the 6th (Royal Warwickshire) regiment. The attention of the police was directed to him by his being frequently in the company of Daly and Egan at public houses.[53]

There was the discovery in the garden of Mr Egan a bottle containing a thick liquid of suspicious appearances. Mr Farndale, Chief of Police reported the matter to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Explosives, Colonel Majendie. There was also a letter found in the bottle from William McDonell of Wednesbury, so Mr Farndale proceeded to Wednesbury to interview McConnell and several other people there.[54]

The new Coffee Houses

On 4 May 1883 the Birmingham Coffee House Company opened a new coffee house in Newton Row. It was an interesting fact in connection with the movement of the Birmingham coffee house Company that the same kind of work had been taken up and carried on with more or less success in many of the large towns in England; and he was glad to learn that the movement was being imitated in New York and Philadelphia. Probably some of the bearers had noticed in a recent police case some remarks by Mr Farndale and one of the magistrates as to the prevalence of gambling in coffee houses.[55]

Royal Visit

In December 1883 there was a Royal visit to Birmingham. The occasion was the visit to Birmingham of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess Christian and the Marquis of Lorne, paid in connection with the Birmingham cattle and poultry show. On arriving at Washwood Heath the Prince and Princess were met by Mr Farndale, the chief superintendent of police.[56]

Joseph doing well so far

In April 1884, the chief constable of that Birmingham was described as a man who has few rivals in his particular walk of life, and he fully deserves the eulogium passed upon him by the Home Secretary last year. Mr Farndale commenced life as an ordinary constable, I believe in Middlesbrough, and he has worked his way upwards to his present position. He occupied the post of chief constable in two or three other towns before going to Birmingham, in each one of which he added to his reputation. The circumstances of his career have given him an amount of experience which is comparatively rare, and he has added to it a very careful study of the criminal law, in the knowledge of which he has not many superiors. Mr Farndale is very much opposed to the practice of selecting retired army officers for the posts of chief constable, and he himself is a strong argument in favour of his theory that such positions ought to be filled by men practically acquainted with the routine of police work.[57]

Children armed to the teeth with bayonets

In March 1886 attention of the local police has just been called to the wholesale distribution of old bayonets among children and others in the town at several of the Board schools in the town the teachers were startled to see their young scholars march in literally “armed to the teeth”. As soon as this became known there was quite a rush to the shops, and the dealers drove a roaring trade among the juvenile population. Mr Farndale, the Chief of Police, mentioned the matter yesterday morning to Mr Kynnersley at the Public Office, but the stipendiary said he thought no steps could be taken in the matter.[58]

Protecting Jo Chamberlain

In September 1886 Joseph Chamberlain was under police protection during his holiday. This morning Mr Chamberlain had a long interview with Mr Farndale, the chief of police in Birmingham, and it is understood that an arrangement was arrived at for a detective to accompany him on his holidays. The right hon gentleman starts in a few days for the Continent, accompanied by Mr Jesse Collings.[59]

A song was written to satirise the event.

So Joseph and Jesse far away will sojourn, The shame of it is, they’ll be sure to return. A detective goes with them, who’ll have a great try To “detect” Jesse’s genius and Joe’s honesty.

Farewell to the Bobby; His task will be hard; That he’ll ne’er overcome it Is quite the card.[60]

It is understood that it was arranged that Inspector Van Helden should accompany the right hon gentleman throughout his tour. Van Helden speaks several European languages.[61]

Joseph Chamberlain (1836 to 1914) was a liberal and later conservative politician and the father of Neville Chamberlain[62]. He made his career in Birmingham as a manufacturer of screws and later as mayor. He resigned from Gladstone’s government in 1886 in opposition to Irish Home Rule. He helped engineer a split in the liberal party and became a Liberal Unionist.

Tram cars exceeding four miles an hour

In February 1887 there was concern about the speed of tram cars. The bye laws provided that the speed should not exceed four miles an hour, but the borough surveyor reported that the cars were occasionally run at the rate of 9 ¼ miles per hour. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, replied that they go 19 ¼ miles an hour in some places outside the borough[63].

Victoria’s Jubilee

In the Jubilee year of Queen Victoria, Joseph Farndale was involved in the Queen’s visit to Birmingham. With reference to the illuminations we understand that Mr Farndale, the chief constable, will probably suggest to the Watch Committee that vehicular traffic in the central streets should be prohibited. Experience of the last similar occasion proved that even a single line of traffic could not be worked without difficulty and confusion, as well as leading to numerous accidents.[64] The Queen’s Visit to Birmingham was illustrated on 26 March 1887 in The Graphic[65].

 

Joseph Farndale and Jack the Ripper

Joseph Farndale was involved in a hoax relating to the Jack the Ripper murders (“the Whitechapel Murders”) in 1888[66].

Birmingham Police Court in October 1888, before Sir Thomas Martineau, a respectfully dressed man, named Alfred Napier Blanchard (34), who described himself as a canvasser was charged by his own confession with having committed the Whitechapel murders. Detective Ashby explained that on Friday morning the prisoner went into a public house in Newton Row, and openly accused himself of having committed the Whitechapel murders. Witness took him into custody, and when they reached Duke Street police station he denied having made any confession. Was he drunk at the time? Mr Farndale: he was sober when he first broached the subject, but by the time the police were called he was undoubtedly under the influence of drink. Mr Farndale now said he did not attach the least importance to the arrest, but, at the same time the prisoner had placed himself in the position in which he now stood, and he could not complain if the Bench remanded him. Mr Goodman: Do you know anything about him? Mr Farndale: Nothing, except what has been gleaned from papers found in his possession.[67]

The Secret of the handsome Joseph Farndale’s success

It was reported in November 1888 that the secret of Joseph’s success is that he carefully avoids any display of force. Shortly after the disturbances and the sacking of the West end, there was some fear of a similar occurrence in Birmingham. The Chief Constable dealt with the situation in a very admirable manner. He did not attempt to interfere with the demonstration, and carefully refrained from crowding Costa-green with policemen or from irritating the people by any unnecessary display of authority. There was no bludgeoning, no violence, and the consequence was that the crowd, amongst whom were a good many bad characters who would have stuck at nothing in the way of plunder, gradually dispersed.

The Chief Constable himself preserved his good temper throughout, and was cheered by the crowd as he passed. He has the advantage of being a handsome man - a great point with the crowd. He looks remarkably well in his uniform and on horseback, and he is always in evidence whenever there is anything moving.

When the dynamite plot was discovered in Birmingham, the Chief Constable was in his proper place and directed the investigations so well that not a mistake was made. Night and day he remained at his post until the right moment came, and then the police swooped down and captured the gang. The result was that the dynamite conspiracy, which had its head-quarters in Birmingham, was completely crushed out of existence.

Mr. Farndale looks something over 40. He is tall, broad-shouldered, athletic, has good features and looks like a gentleman. He has the bald head that comes of wearing a constable's helmet.[68]

Gladstone’s Visit

In the same month, Mr Gladstone left Hawarden for Birmingham this morning, for the purpose of fulfilling a series of arrangements in connection with the National Liberal Federation. The train steamed into Birmingham station at 1.15 precisely. Outside the station there was an immense concourse of people. Here, however, as well as along the whole route to the Town Hall, strong barricades had been erected, and a large force of police being in attendance, under the command of Mr Farndale, a perfectly clear space was kept for the procession. An enthusiastic cheer was given as Mr Gladstone emerged from the station.[69]

Of Gladstone’s visit, in dealing with so large a number, it is impossible to ensure that all shall be sympathisers, with the object of the gathering, or even respectable men, there will be a strong police force in the hall, commanded by the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) who has frequently shown himself a man of rare tact and energy on such occasions.[70]

Chief Commissioner opportunity, illness and recovery

Joseph Farndale started to be named as a possible candidate for Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. There was a comment in November 1888 that Sir Charles Warren has taken the course of a sensible man, in resigning from a position for which it is evident he was not fitted. The police are a civil body charged with the maintenance of order and the detection of crime and the Whitechapel horrors have shown how incapable Scotland yard is in this respect. They make the fatal error of transferring even their detectives from division to division, so that they have not men with intimate local knowledge as Mr Coathupe has in Bristol, or Mr Farndale has in Birmingham, acquainted with the criminal classes and all the dark places of the city, so that very few hours would elapse before the arrival of a suspicious stranger or a suspicious occurrence in the lowest haunts in the place would become known at police headquarters.[71]

However illness struck in December 1888. Although Mr Farndale has been incapacitated for a considerable time, it has not yet been announced what he has actually been suffering from. A severe cold was at the outset said to be the cause, but when he was recommended to repair to the South of England it was generally accepted that his illness was of much greater severity than his medical attendants chose to announce. During his absence he continued to lose strength, and the development of the obstinate complaint manifested itself in a manner which occasioned considerable apprehension. The fact is that the Chief of Police contracted an attack of diphtheria of such a peculiar character that his medical advisers were baffled in their diagnosis. During the latter part of his stay at Torquay, however, paralysis supervened, and then it dawned upon them that the primary complaint was diphtheria. The paralysis gave rise to much alarm, and Mr Farndale’s return was at once ordered. Since he has been at home he has been attended by Sir W Foster and Drs Wilders and Hunt, and we are pleased to be able to announce that he is now showing some signs of improvement, although some time must yet transpire ere he is able to resume his duties.[72]

A snowball fight

Meantime in February 1889, anyone passing a certain police station within the limits of the city early on Monday morning last, might have witnessed a very lively snowballing encounter, between a dozen or so of Mr Farndale’s most trusted officers. Of course very few people were about at the time, but these opened their eyes in astonishment with which the myrmidons of the law entered into their game. The scene would have delighted some of the ragamuffins who were later in the day rebuked by the self same officers for doing a similar thing.[73]

Welcome back, an illuminated address

Joseph was back at work by April 1889[74]. He was welcomed back to work with speeches and an Illuminated Address. The Chief Constable of Birmingham (Mr Farndale) is shortly to be made the recipient of a testimonial from the Birmingham Magistrates and many influential citizens. The committee which has been formed to carry out the presentation consider that as the prolonged illness of the chief has entailed a very heavy expense, a substantial monetary testimonial would be both an appropriate and graceful act. Already a resolution has been passed expressive of cordial congratulation on his recovery. The presentation committee also aim at showing their high appreciation of Mr Farndale’s many excellent services in connection with the force by the fund which they have initiated. Circulars asking for subscriptions have even forwarded to those who it is thought would like to participate in the testimonial, but the appeal is in no wise a public one – in fact it is being made privately.[75]

The address, which was read by Superintendent Sheppard, was as follows. Address to Joseph Farndale Esq, Chief Constable for the City of Birmingham. We, the undersigned, deputed by a meeting assembled and representing the whole body of the Birmingham Police Force, consisting of 550 members, heartily congratulate you upon your resumption of duties as chief in this large and important city. We rejoice at your restoration to health, as we sympathised with you in your serious and protracted illness; and it is now a source of happiness for us to have the opportunity of thus expressing to you how much we cherish and admire those qualities so characteristic of you, and which have drawn and endeared us to you during your chief constableship here. We feel that when and wherever qualities abound which have distinguished your career in such an eminent degree then will a true appreciating and grateful people respond and unmistakably demonstrate in no uncertain way the inspiration in their hearts. We therefore ask you sir, prompted by these feelings, to accept this illuminated address, not for its intrinsic value, but rather as an outcome of our expression of pleasure and congratulations upon your resumption of duties, and as a small token of our admiration of your worth as chief, man and friend. With a fervent wish that your convalescence be of long duration and that you live long in the buoyancy of health to champion our cause as hitherto in the course and conduct of our duties, and in the path of wisdom, justice and right. Signed, on behalf of the members of the force, Superintendents Wm Wilcox, Rd Sheppard, Wm Shaw, Philip Stephenson, Joseph Hervey, James Black, and David Noon.[76] 

The Shah of Persia ain’t worth a tanner

There was a visit by the Shah of Persia in July 1889. His Majesty the Shah of Persia is expected to arrive at New Street Station by special train from Bromsgrove at about 11.30am on the morning of Thursday, the 11th instant. The street traffic will be under the control of the Chef Constable (Mr Farndale). As it is expected that considerable interest will be evinced in the visit of the Shah and in his progress through the streets, the Mayor hopes that the inhabitants will maintain the reputation of the city in assisting in the preservation of order along the line of the procession, and by keeping the route clear and free of obstruction.[77]

The Shah paid his promised visit to Birmingham yesterday, but the event was robbed somewhat of the éclat which would otherwise have attended it through an unfortunate upsetting of the programme which had been arranged. The article refers to the changed plans of the Shah which led to delays whilst sightseers had already turned out and shop keepers found their business suspended or closed. A great many undoubtedly thought the time too valuable to idle away, even to show respect to England’s guest – for the crowds in the street thinned. Those who remained behind either waited patiently at their posts or promenaded along the pavements willing away the time as best they could. The name of the illustrious visitor was in every one’s mouth but what was said about him had better not be published. “What a shame!”. “Our Queen wouldn’t serve us such a trick”, “I suppose he thinks he can do as he likes with us”, were among the very mildest of the grumbling comments … “He ain’t worth a tanner” suggested one irreverent passer by. “”What!”, shrieked the man in the cart, “not worth a tanner, when he’s doing all this to save war with old England! – Bah!” Quite a sigh of relief went up as Mr Farndale and a few mounted policemen rode down to the station. The Mayor followed, the ugly rumours that the Shah was not coming at all were thrown to the winds, and in due course patience was rewarded and curiosity to a certain extent satisfied by the Imperial possession. As soon as the Shah’s carriage had left the station yard, it was surrounded by a squadron of the 9th Lancers, under Major Mackenizie who formed the escort. The procession was headed by Mr Farndale, the chief superintendent of police, and the carriages not covered by the escort were flanked by mounted constables. [78]

A brine bath

In August 1889, amongst the visitors of Droitwich, who are taking the brine baths, are Mr Farndale (chief of the Birmingham Police) and many others of lesser note[79].

1889, another age

There was an account of events during 1889 from 50 years later in 1939. The Right Honourable Henry Cecil Raikes MP, Postmaster General, laid the foundation stone of the new post office. In a cavity beneath the stone was placed a copy of the ‘Mail’. Mr Joseph Chamberlain was present and spoke of the Birmingham of a further 50 years ago, the 1830s, when there were no parks, baths, or wash houses, no museums, very few schools, very little paving, except for the petrified kidney order, no sewerage, no sanitary arrangements and the death rate was five or six and 1000 higher. In the large crowd present pickpockets got a gaol hall, but three of them were chased and arrested after a struggle. The Council Chamber and the Reception Hall of the Council House were being fitted up in the form of temporary law courts for the opening of the Spring Assize. The ailing chief constable of Birmingham, Mr Farndale, had to give up his home on the Hagley Road for Her Majesty's judges, and he had been moved in a bath chair under the care of his physician to a friends house in Calthorpe Road. Board school teachers had been accused of inflicting cruel secret punishments on their charges, and the school Board had announced that it must stop. After inflicting corporal punishment a teacher had to record it in a special book. A headmaster wrote to the Mail: “Imagine the trials and tribulations of a young assistant shut up in a classroom with 60 or 70 children, hour after hour, day off today, week after week. Some of the scholars have been born to lying, thieving and impudence, yet almost every one of them, capacity or no capacity, must be made to pass the government examinations at the end of the year. The restricted assistant yields to temptation, and punishes on the sly.[80]

The 8 hour duty system

In March 1890 the old eight hours duty system was debated. The part played by the police forces of the country in the public affairs is so important that any question bearing upon the administration of their official duties becomes a matter in which all law abiding citizens should not only take an interest, but if necessary, their opinion should be earnestly consulted. We have now before us the fact that a section of our police force is agitating for a return to the old system of duty viz, that of performing the entire eight hours duty straight off the reel, thus leaving the remaining sixteen hours at their disposal. The discussion at the Council meeting clearly showed that this satisfactory feature of administration is the result of the system instituted by Mr Farndale.[81]

The debate in the City Council on the management of the police force has not, as it may be supposed to have done, settled the question. The long duty system was in force during the greater part of Major Bond’s term of headship; the short duty system was introduced by Mr Farndale seven years ago. Its introduction was marked by the concession of a day’s leave per month, and thus was in the nature of a compensation. The chief motive of the agitation is to obtain a longer spell off duty. The sole question which has to be considered by the management of the force is as to the effect upon discipline, physique and general efficiency; and as soon as this question is raised the case against the long duty system appears to be very strong. The Watch Committee and the Chief Constable seem, at all events, to be agreed upon this point. It was this consideration which induced Mr Farndale eight years ago to recommend the abandonment of the system. He was struck by an absence of smartness in the appearance of the men, especially of those who were doing an early spell of duty from 6am to 2pm. It occurred to him that, supporting the men were sensible enough in every case to make a temperate use of their sixteen hours freedom, it was hardly probable that they would get a warm meal before starting out so early in the morning, or find very much time for brushing up their uniforms.[82]

Joseph Farndale’s doubts about the Dynamitard arrests

The issue of the Dynamitards, then recurred and questions arose about the legitimacy of the arrests of Daly and others in the 1884 arrests, as distinct from the very successful arrest of Whitehead in 1883. Joseph Farndale appeared to have had his doubts about the legitimacy of those 1884 arrests and was concerned about methods adopted by the Irish Police, although there was controversy about exactly what Joseph Farndale said to Alderman Manton. He was clearly a man of conscience who worried about the legitimacy of the arrests when facts came to his attention later.

In September 1890, Mr W T Bryan, secretary of the demonstration which took place in Tipperary on Sunday to protest against the treatment to which Mr John Daly and his fellow prisoners have been subjected in Chatham gaol, received a letter from Mr William O’Brien MP. I have for some time been in communication with an English gentleman of much eminence in Birmingham, who has discovered startling proofs that John Daly is the victim of a plot organised by emissaries of the Irish Constabulary. His authority for this terrible charge is no less a personage than the chief constable of one of the principal English cities, whose confession has been before the Home Secretary. It will be our duty to press for the fullest investigation of this horrible business, and to insist that pending such investigation there shall be no continuance of the barbaric system of prison torment revealed in the evidence before the late unfairly constituted commission.[83]

It appears that Mr Farndale told the Birmingham Watch Committee, and subsequently Alderman Manton, that he entertained the gravest objections to the methods which the Irish police had employed in obtaining the conviction, and that had he known from the outset of the extent to which the agent provocateur had been employed he would have declined all connection with the Case. These opinions Mr Farndale still holds, but he has never stated, as alleged by Mr John O’Connor that “the whole thing was a put up job”, or has he expressed any doubt as to the justice of Daly’s conviction. The whole question indeed, turns on the propriety of the employment of spies for the purpose for which the agent was used.[84]

    

The contemporaneous evidence of the media was that Joseph Farndale acted entirely properly in 1884, but when he later learned of facts that gave him rise to have concerns, he immediately consulted others about what should be done to resolve the matter. This was clearly not a deathbed confession, for the matter was debated in Parliament at the time, well before Joseph Farndale’s death and this must have arisen because Joseph Farndale had tried to do something about facts of which he had subsequently become aware.

In January 1893, James Francis Egan was, by order of the Home Secretary on Saturday afternoon released from Portland Prison, where he had been a convict for several years past. James Frances Egan arrived in Birmingham at 1.43 this (Sunday) afternoon). In London, on Saturday evening, he visited the National Liberal Club. He was very reticent towards the representatives of the press, but expressed his indebtedness to the Irish political party for their efforts towards his release, and especially he is grateful to Ald Manton and Mr Farndale for the part he understood they had taken.[85] He later said I never despaired, because I knew perfectly well that what I had heard of the disclosures by Alderman Manton, and the action taken by Mr Farndale in honestly exposing the affair, would bring the public to see that a gross injustice had been done to me.[86]

In February 1893, there was a debate in the House of Commons. Mr John Redmond, resuming the debate on the Address, moved his amendment humbly representing to Her Majesty that the time had come when the cases of all prisoners under the Treason Felons Act who are and have been many years undergoing punishment for offences arising out of insurrectory movements connected with Ireland may be advantageously reconsidered. He especially instanced the case of Day, as to whom, he recalled the statement of Mr Farndale, of the Birmingham police, who had informed the local Watch Committee that it was in his knowledge that the explosives found in Daly’s possession were ‘planted’ upon him. Mr Clancy seconded the motion. He joined in the expression of the belief that Daly was an innocent man. Did the Chief Secretary or the Home Secretary believe that if Mr Farndale had given the evidence at the trial in Warwick which he and given since, Daly would have been convicted?

In what was described as an Important Speech by the Home Secretary, Mr Asquith, in replying on behalf of the Government, assured the mover that he entertained no fear that the action which had been taken would embarrass the Government. The Government welcomed the opportunity to speak plainly on the subject (Ministerial cheers). A number of documents were found at Daly’s lodgings, showing he was undoubtedly a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and had taken an active part in its proceedings. Daly was released after eight and a half years penal servitude because he had had sufficient punishment.

Mr Powell Williams said that Mr Farndale had told him he did not believe the bombs were placed upon Daly by an agent provocateur. The statement of the Home Secretary would be welcomed by the whole country.

Mr Asquith: Now I will deal in a sentence or two with Mr Farndale. I have no jurisdiction of any sort or kind over him. He is a servant of the Birmingham Corporation. Mr Farndale has been questioned as to the statement Alderman Manton attributed to him, and he has declared it to be purely imagination. If so, what becomes of the suggested testimony of Mr Farndale that Daly was a victim of the police. The truth is Mr Farndale, who was the head of the police, was considerably annoyed that the arrest of Daly, in whose innocence at the time he did not believe, should have been procured not by the Birmingham, but by the Irish police.

Mr Powell Williams said the contradiction was made to the Watch Committee, of whom at Mr Farndale was the servant, and he at the time and as early as he could, repudiated that statement of Alderman Manton to the effect that he, Mr Farndale, considered that Daly was an innocent person. What the Honourable Member said was that the Chief Constable of Birmingham had admitted, first of all, that those bombs were placed upon daily by an agent provocateur, and secondly, that he knew him to be an innocent man. To all those statements he could give on Mr Farndale's behalf an emphatic contradiction.

Mr Harrington:: Does the Honourable Member pledge himself that he has the authority of Mr Farndale to say that he did not make the statement that these bombs were planted on daily by a member of the Irish police?

Mr Powell Williams said he was not authorised in any way to state (laughter). How could he be authorised within 10 minutes to make a statement for Mr Farndale. But he would tell the honourable member and he would tell the house what Mr Farndale had stated to him. He said to him that those bombs were not in his opinion placed upon daily by an agent provocateur.

Mr W Redmond asked the Home Secretary if he would order a fresh investigation into the allegations made against the police by Alderman Manton, and question Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham upon the subject.

Mr Asquith said so far as the matter was a personal one affecting Alderman Manton and Chief Constable Farndale, he had no right to interfere, so far as it affected the innocence or otherwise of Daly, the allegations had already been fully investigated, with the result which he stated to the House the other night (hear, hear).

Mr W Redmond asked the right hon gentleman whether, in view of the opinions held by 80 Irish members out of 103, he would have a personal interview with Mr Farndale, and grant a fresh investigation into the case.

Mr Asquith did not think any useful purpose would be served by his having a personal interview with Mr Farndale. He was in possession of all the facts of the case.

Mr J Redmond gave notice that in Committee of Supply he would press for further investigation.[87]

In March 1894 Mr Redmond asked Having referred to the fact that Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, was still of the opinion that the explosives found on the prisoner Daly had been ‘planted’ upon him by an agent in the pay of the Irish police, the hon and learned member said he had an entirely new case to bring under the notice of the Home Secretary. It was that of a man called Curtin Kent, a labourer and an illiterate man, who could not by any possibility have been a principal in the dynamite conspiracy. He was put on trial with the other me and, although the only evidence against him was that he had written to Gallagher and got £5 from him, he was convicted and sentenced to penal servitude for life.

Mr Asquith reminded the House that the general considerations which affected this question were fully debated a year ago, when he expressed at considerable length and in much detail the views of her Majesty’s Government.[88]

Salary reaches £900

In April 1892, Mr Wilders submitted the report of the Watch Committee, and in accordance with its recommendation moved that the salary of Mr Farndale should increase from £800 to £900 per annum. He said the proposal had received the most careful consideration of the committee, who had come to the conclusion that it was simply an act of justice to a most energetic, efficient and experienced officer. Mr Farndale had been a policeman thirty years; he was forty none years of age, and one of the most energetic, experienced and efficient chief constables in the kingdom. He was a thorough disciplinarian, always kind and considerate to his men; and he possessed sound judgment and tact in a remarkable degree. Mr Farndale could if he chose leave the force tomorrow, and claim a pension of £532 per annum from the Police Superannuation Fund. Mr Stevens proposed as an amendment “That the increase of Mr Farndale’s salary be deferred until after November next in order that the ratepayers may have an opportunity of expressing their opinion on this. There was further debate. The amendment only received 5 votes and the original motion was carried.[89]

A railway accident

In June 1892, a terrible railway accident happened shortly before five o’clock on Friday in Birmingham, two expresses making for the Derby junction at the end of the Lawley Street viaduct colliding at the points. The body was quickly removed to the Duke Street mortuary, when the full extent of the catastrophe was learned, the railway officials along with the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), did everything they could to aid the injured passengers, who were sent to the General and Queen’s Hospital in cabs and other available vehicles.[90]

The military man’s whisky and cigar

In the same month, Edwin Glover (40), a military looking man, of no occupation, was charged with obtaining two glasses of whisky and a cigar from George Hawthorne of the Malt Shovel Inn, and with consuming the same without having the means to pay for it. He later stated that he was Captain Glover and was well known to Mr Farndale.[91]

Death of Jane

Jane Farndale died suddenly in Stockton on 18 July 1893[92]. On the 18th inst, at the house of her cousin, Mrs Hodgson, at Stockton on Tees, Jane, wife of Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, formerly chief constable of Chesterfield.[93]

A new office

By February 1894, Central Police Offices in Corporation Street adjoining the Victoria Courts, are rapidly approaching completion, and in a few days the removal of the scaffolding will give an uninterrupted view of the building. The police offices are entered into by the first door in Newton Street, opening into an entrance hall, which is to be fitted with benches for the convenience of that portion of the general public who may have business at the offices. From the hall, doors open to the rooms to be occupied by Mr Farndale and by Superintendent Wilcox and the clerks and a lobby adjoining the hall leads to the general store room and other apartments. An elaborately constructed staircase from the hall gives access to the first floor, where accommodation is found for the detective department.[94]

Recovery of as valuable diamond

In April 1894 by a curious combination of chances a valuable diamond which was lost more than 20 years ago at Birmingham has been discovered, and is now in the possession of Mr Farndale, the chief constable. Some days ago one of the workmen in the employ of Messrs Taunton, safe manufacturers, was engaged in repairing a safe, and came across a piece of paper in which was a large diamond, estimated to be worth at least £100.[95]

Royal Visit

There was another Royal visit to Birmingham on 8 September 1894. All the arrangements for the visit to Birmingham of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York on September 8 are now completed. Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at the city boundaries on the Castle Bromwich Road at noon, and will be met by an escort of the 17th lancers, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), and mounted police.[96]

Forming an orderly queue

Joseph Farndale was responsible perhaps for the British habit of forming an orderly queue. An article in April 1942 recalled that the new Order making it compulsory for six or more persons to form a queue when boarding bus or tram recalls the origin of a similar disciplinary measure in Birmingham nearly fifty years ago. In the autumn of 1894 Henry Irving came to the Prince of Wales theatre. Prices for all parts of the house, with the exception of the gallery’ were doubled. All Birmingham, so to speak, made for the gallery door, and there was a terrible commotion! When this had happened on two successive nights, Irving instructed his manager, Brian Stoker, to see the chief constable about it. “Tell the Chief Constable,” he said “that outside my theatre in London we have adopted the system of a queue, two by two, and that it works very well”. Mr Stoker carried this message to the chief constable, and Mr Farndale agreed to make an experiment. He sent along members of the force, Mr Edwin Bennett, later Chief Superintendent, among them, and they arranged the first queues. But not without difficulty. Some roughs attempted to rush the entrance hall and according to Mr Bennett, five watches were found in the gutter. Birmingham gradually got accustomed to the queue habit, but not before Sir Charles Rafter brought a prosecution for disorderly conduct against some who attempted to break through. Much of the voluntary queuing outside Birmingham shops today may be traceable to the initial steps of half a century ago.[97]

The brave constable who reported the Chief Constable

In May 1895 a brave young constable reported his own Chief Constable. A good story reaches us from the Birmingham police force, viz, that a common constable, a humble member of the rank and file, has had the temerity to lodge a report against no less a personage than his commanding officer. The constable is a young officer who is not been very long in the force, and it would seem that he is burning to distinguish himself in some unprecedented way. There can be no doubt he has succeeded, and it may be safely asserted that the number of men in the force who would have had the courage to take such a step is very small indeed. The officer was on duty in Harborne Road, when he saw his commander in chief, who much effects equestrian exercise, approaching on his steed. It would seem that the animal proved refractory in some way, for it became subject to a sharp chastisement from its rider. The constable appears to have considered that the chastisement exceeded do bounds, so he pulled out his little notebook and pencil, and made an entry to the effect that his superior had beating his horse about the head more than was justifiable, and looking upon his chief as no more privileged and hit this respect than common John Smith the civilian, he reported the matter in writing to the Superintendent. This put the divisional officer in a quandary. What was he to do with the report against his chief officer? To pass such a thing on to the central office seemed like sacrilege. Yet it was made in the books, and he could not get rid of it otherwise without committing a serious breach of the regulations. So he came to the conclusion that he had no alternative but to send the report, with his other reports, to the headquarters. There it has gone and it would be interesting to know what happened there when the report was given. A live, smoking bombshell would probably have created no more profound sensation. Presumably the report will come before the judicial subcommittee at their meeting on Monday, and it will be very interesting to know the issue of it. We can imagine Mr Farndale, who is about the last man against whom one might expect such charge to be made, reading the report with blended feelings of admiring surprise, comical annoyance, and roll amusement. He must admire the Spartan sense of duty of his young officer, must feel annoyed that he should have fallen into such an error, and experience amusement at the humour of the whole business.

Afghan royalty

In June 1895 there was a visit by His Highness the Shahzada, the second son of the Ameer of Afghanistan. In the central drive between Railway Stations, there was an escort of 25 mounted police, under the command of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale).[98]

Horseless carriages, the first cars and transport legislation

In February 1896, there were early encounters with horseless carriages. At Solihull today Gascoine & Co, horseless carriage builders was summoned as the owner of a locomotive used on the public highway for not having a person on foot preceding the locomotive by 20 yards as prescribed by section 3 of the Locomotives Act 1865, and section 29 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment)  Act 1879[99]. Police Constable Clifton stated that on Saturday morning, the 22nd December, he was on duty in Stratford Road, Shirley, and saw a motor car, or horseless carriage, travelling in the direction of Birmingham. There was no one in front of it to warn the public of its approach. The vehicle was travelling at the rate of five or six miles an hour; and it made a certain amount of noise, and steam was issuing from an exhaust pipe at the rear. As it was only within the last five years that the vehicle had been used in England, the Legislature could not in fact, or in imagination, have known of a horseless carriage when they formulated the Acts referred to, and therefore the regulations could not apply.[100]

Mr McCardie replied Yes, and if you wanted to take a little trip of 30 or 40 miles, taking in the three neighbouring counties, it would cost you £30, besides the wages of the three men to drive, where only one is wanted, and another useless person to go in front.

The Clerk mused that going as fast as it does too, the man in front would have to go on a bicycle (Laughter).

Mr McCardie replied Oh yes, it is manifestly absurd. Fancy all the expense I have mentioned when the machine only costs a half penny per mile for propulsion. Besides, I notice that the tires would have to be no narrower than three inches, and that would spoil the vehicle altogether, I contend that it in no way answers the definition of a locomotive, and that the Bench are entitled to dismiss the summons. I may add that Mr Farndale, the chief of the Birmingham police, has stated that he would not allow any proceedings to be taken against such carriages. [101]

In the early 1890s the first cars to be driven on the roads in Britain were imported. In 1895, the first man to own and drive a car in Britain was Ebvelyn Ellis. It is estimated that by 1895, there were still only about 15 cars in Britain, imported from abroad. By 1900, the number had risen to about 700. Work to build the first motor car in Britain began in 1892 by Frederick Bremner, a gas fitter and plumber. His vehicle first ran on the public highway in 1894. Fords started to arrive in Britain from about 1908.

The Locomotives Act 1865[102] was also known as the Red Flag Act and stipulated that self-propelled vehicles should be accompanied by a crew of three; if the vehicle was attached to two or more vehicles an additional person was to accompany the vehicles; a man with a red flag was to walk at least 60 yd (55 m) ahead of each vehicle, who was also required to assist with the passage of horses and carriages. The vehicle was required to stop at the signal of the flagbearer. The Highways and Locomotives (Amendment)  Act 1878 was an Act to amend the Law relating to Highways in England and the Acts relating to Locomotives on Roads and for other purposes.

At the same time his nephew, Joseph Farndale, then Chief Constable of Margate Police, was involved in a charge against a motor car driver for exceeding a speed of two miles per hour.

Registration of bicycles and the scorchers

Joseph Farndale recommended a system for registration of bicycles in April 1896. The Home Secretary has just issued a circular to the Chief Constables of counties and boroughs on a matter which will give rise to a great deal of discussion in the cycling world. Sir M White Ridley explains that he has received various complaints with regard to cycling in the streets, and that from the nature of the objections laid before him, he has felt prompted to make a general enquiry as to the present cycling system, and ascertain whether further legislation is essential to check reckless riders being a danger to the community. The Chief said police are therefore invited to express an opinion on the desirability of amending the present law, and they are further requested to add any suggestions they may think expedient.

Mr Farndale has had this circular under careful consideration, and it is understood that he has replied very fully as to the prevailing state of affairs in this district. Probably in no other city in the Kingdom has the popularity of the cycle reestablished itself with such rapidity and so generally as in Birmingham. Unfortunately this circumstance has had the effect of producing an increased number of foolhardy scorchers, who are a nuisance to everyone, and reckless riders who, unmindful of their own risk, pay no heed to the safety of others. The inevitable result of the presence of these riders has been a considerable number of accidents under great many complaints.[103]

At the meeting of the Birmingham watch committee in September 1897, Councillor Baker drew attention to what he described as the practice of scorching on the Moseley Road, his object being to ascertain whether the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) was prepared to adopt measures to check the indiscretion of offending cyclists. The wood pavement, he said, was an irresistible incentive to most people, and the practise complained of was becoming a source of serious danger to the public.

Mr Bishop asked perhaps Councillor Baker does not know what ‘scorching’ is. They don't ‘scorch’ on the Mosley Rd. Mr. Baker replied Oh don't they?. Bishop retorted Well what do you call ‘scorching’?  Baker said I would call ‘scorching’ going at 12 miles an hour. Mr Bishop said They don't go at 12 miles an hour. Mr. Baker responded What! Not on that wood payment pavement I think they do.

Mr Farndale said the matter was one of some difficulty for the police to deal with, in as much as it has recently been held in the law courts that though a police officer could summon a scorcher he might not lay his hands on him to stop him. Two or three years ago when there were complaints of ‘scorching’ in Broad Street, policemen were provided with bicycles to capture the offenders, and they simply had to ‘scorch’ after the ‘scorchers’ until they overtook them.

Mr Bishop had no doubt the chief constable would give the matter every attention. Mr Farndale was a nice, quiet rider himself, as he could bear witness.

Mr Farndale replied I followed the example of the chairman of the judicial committee, Mr Bishop, who goes at a reasonable pace.

The subject then dropped.[104]

The Diamond Jubilee

1897 was the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating sixty years since her accession. A meeting of chief constables of counties, cities and boroughs in Great Britain was held in May 1897 at the office of Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, to consider the most suitable form of celebrating the Queen’s reign. It was reported that the Scottish police had decided to join the national scheme. It was decided to draw up an illuminated address congratulating Her Majesty on her historic accomplishment.[105]

There was a Royal visit to Birmingham in July 1897, when the General Hospital was opened. Much enthusiasm was manifested in Birmingham yesterday on the occasion of the visit of Princess Christian, as the representative of the Queen, to open the new General Hospital. Along the route of the royal procession the streets were gaily decorated, with Venetian masts at intervals, and garlands of flowers. After the formal receptions the trumpet sounded, and their royal highnesses proceeded, the procession was headed by Chief Constable Farndale and mounted police. As the royal visitors entered the Council House, a salute was given by a detachment of the Bedfordshire regiment, which formed a guard of honour. Her Royal Highness, in reply, said “It gives me very great pleasure to visit the City of Birmingham on behalf of the Queen, my dear mother, and in her name I thank you for your loyal and beautiful address. Her Majesty desires me to express the great gratitude with which she bears of her people at Birmingham having made this latest addition to the hospital.[106]

In January 1898, interviewed in reference to the marked increase of drunkenness in Birmingham, the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said that good wages had most to do with the increase. He had been struck by the fact that rainy Saturdays, which prevented indulgence in outdoor sports, usually meant a great increase in drunkenness. The popularity of football, generally speaking, has been the means of diverting a good deal of interest from the taproom.[107]

Illness and the end of a career

By March 1898, Joseph Farndale was ill again. We regret to hear that Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of the city, is lying seriously ill at the Grand Hotel. An attack of chill or influenza contracted at the Charity Sports, on Wednesday week, was followed by pneumonia, and at one time his condition was considered critical. Under the care of Dr Hutchinson, the crisis was tided over, and, although very ill, Mr Farndale was yesterday reported to be out of danger. Late last night Mr Farndale was progressing very favourably.[108]

By 18 March 1899 the health of Mr Joseph Farndale, the popular and brilliant Chief Constable of Birmingham, is causing the greatest anxiety. I earnestly hope to be able to report better new next week. Mr Farndale has many friends in Derbyshire, which he made when Chief Constable of Chesterfield.[109]

Mr Farndale, chief constable of Birmingham, is lying seriously ill, through the breaking of a blood vessel, consequent upon violent sneezing.[110]

Then on 14 April 1899, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, Mr Farndale, had a narrow escape from serious injury yesterday morning. He was being driven in a closed brougham to the city to discuss police matters with the superintendents for the first time since his serious illness, when the horse, a high spirited animal, bolted in Broad Street, owing to the snapping of one of the reins. A futile effort to stop its progress was made by police constable Goldby, who caught at the shafts, but was struck on the chest by the horse’s head, and thrown back. At the corner of Easy Row the carriage was brought into collision with a cart, and Mr Farndale’s coachman, Thomas Terry, was thrown violently from the box. Even this check, however, did not stop the horse, which dashed round the corner into Paradise Street, where a few yards to the right it collided with an oil float, and was brought to a standstill at the edge of the pavement. Mr Farndale escaped with nothing more serious than shock and injury to the nose by broken glass. Terry, the coachman, had his leg fractured.[111]

Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham, is to be commiserated with on the curiously bad luck which is dogging him. He recovers from a serious illness, only to be involved in a carriage accident, which might have had dangerous results. Like Bret Harte’s miner, the Chief Constable has struck a streak of bad luck. Let us hope it will soon change.[112]

Finally Joseph Farndale was forced to resign due to his continuing illness in May 1899. Mr Joseph Farndale has resigned the Chief Constableship of Birmingham in consequence of ill health. He has occupied the post for 17 years.[113]

His career summarised

When he resigned a summary of his career was published.

Mr Joseph Farndale was appointed chief constable of Birmingham on the resignation of Major Bond in 1882. Prior to his selection out of some 90 candidates, Mr Farndale had occupied the position of chief constable at Leicester, where he had served for 10 years He is a native of the North Riding, Yorkshire. It was about 1863 when he first became connected with police work. He joined the force in his native Riding at the early age of 19. He remained there, however but a short time, joining the Middlesbrough force, where he soon attained the rank of Inspector. Some seven years afterwards, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield. Here he remained for 2 ½  years when he was selected to a similar position at Leicester, where, as previously stated, he remained until his appointment to Birmingham. In this city Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsam Street in April, 1883, and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan in the same month of the following year, are matters of local history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of these men the Watch Committee, with the approval of the then Home Secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary by the sum of £100 per annum.[114]

His resignation will be received with regret not only by the members of the Watch Committee and the citizens, but the whole of the police force with whom he was very popular.

Mr Farndale's salary is £900 a year, and he is entitled from length of service to a superannuation of 2/3 of this amount. This morning's paper.

Mr Farndale is a Yorkshireman, and commenced his police career in the ranks at Middlesbrough. We like to hear of men rising from the ranks.

The other day we were stimulated with the story of Hector MacDonald, one of the heroes of Omdurman, who, from the ranks, had risen by sheer merit and sterling worth to the highest rung in the military ladder.

This morning the name of another man is honourably prominent, because he is ending his career in a distinguished position. He also has risen from the ranks.

The retiring chief constable of Birmingham has had a career which is worth studying in these degenerate days. It is full of instructive points. Mr Farndale is a man of strong individuality. Yet he invariably got on well with his Watch Committees. He was their servant as well as their master. He was competent, and therefore would not be dictated to. He was respected, because he had the courage of consistency. He would perhaps not have been happy in Hull.

The story of his early life is quite picturesque. Mr Farndale was a farmhand. He was driving the plough one weary day when his employer came up, and farmer like, complained of his work. Young Farndale had a vigorous and independent spirit and was pining for a more active and satisfying field of labour, and throwing down what he had in his hand he said he would go off and be a policeman. What an accident of fortune!

He made good his words at once, and entered upon a career which he has unquestionably adorned. The path of the chief constable of a large city is often beset with difficulty and perplexity! It is also one of grave and constant responsibility. An efficient, fearless, and fair minded chief constable is a boon that a large town like Birmingham cannot afford to rate cheaply. But Watch Committees have often a great deal to answer for, and strong chief constables are not popular everywhere.

At the early age of 26, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield, and from that comparatively unimportant town he went to Leicester. He was not then 29 years of age. He remained at Leicester for 10 years, and then obtained one of the plums of the profession. He was appointed chief constable of Birmingham when still in his thirties. It is admitted that he has greatly improved the police administration there, and that he has shown market ability in dealing with large crowds of people. His discovery of the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy at Birmingham one him much favour at the Home Office; And even Sir William Harcourt did not withhold very graceful appreciation.

Chief constables of large towns who have risen from the ranks are rare. It is one thing to be chief constable of an obscure borough and quite another to be responsible for the security and public morality of a city of the size and character of Birmingham. Nor is the man who has risen from the ranks always a success in high office. The retiring chief constable of Birmingham, however, was not demoralised, he was strengthened by success. If success could always be born with good sense and fortitude it would often be a spectacle more gratifying to contemplate.[115]

Mr Joseph Farndale, for 17 years chief constable of Birmingham, in which office he followed Major Bond, formerly chief constable of Cardiff, has resigned his position owing to prolonged and serious ill health, which has necessitated frequent vacations in the last few years. Mr Farndale is a Yorkshire man, and commenced his police career in the ranks at 26. He was appointed chief constable of Chesterfield over a force of 17, and after three years became chief of police at Leicester, whence he went to Birmingham. His retirement allowance will be £600 per year.

Mr Farndale was appointed in 1882 at a salary of £700 per annum. At that time the total strength of the police force was 520, as against 700 at present time. The area of the borough was 8,420 acres, as against the existing area of 12,705 acres. The population was 400,774, the estimated population at present time being 514,955. The committee proposed to advertise for candidates for the office of chief constable, at a salary of £800 per annum, without allowances of any kind, and to appoint the candidate whom they deem most eligible for the office.[116]

At a meeting of the Birmingham judicial subcommittee, on Monday, the chairman of the Watch Committee, communicated to his colleagues the fact that he had received a communication from Mr Joseph Farndale resigning his position as chief constable of Birmingham. Mr Farndale's resignation is due to the counsel of his medical advisor, who, in view of the nature of his recent illness and his incomplete recovery, regarded the step as imperative. The announcement was received with unanimous regret. Mr Farndale was eligible to retire on a pension several years ago, but it was his own desire to remain in harness sometime longer, and the Watch Committee cordially approved of this course.

Mr Farndale has always been popular with the citizens of Birmingham, and enjoys the distinction of having been the most efficient officer of that the local police force has had since it came into existence. His relations alike with the City Council, the police, and the public have from the commencement of his association with Birmingham been of the most cordial character. Mr Farndale who is a native of Yorkshire has been connected with police duties from his boyhood. At the age of 19 he became a constable in the North Riding Constabulary, from whence he removed to Middlesbrough. His fine presence, combined with a high degree of intelligence, led to his rapid promotion, and it was not long before he attained the rank of Inspector.

He had only seven years police experience when the vacancy occurred in the police in the post of chief constable of Chesterfield, and to this Mr Farndale was appointed. The Chesterfield force was only a small one, the borough having a very limited area, but it afforded Mr Farndale administrative experience which was of great value to him. He was, we believe, at the time of his appointment, the youngest chief constable in the Kingdom. Mr Farndale remained at Chesterfield for only 2 ½ years, but he had he had secured a standing which led to his appointment to the far more important position of chief constable of Leicester. How he composed himself there is shown by the terms of the testimonial given to him by the Mayor of Leicestershire at the time he became a candidate for command of the Birmingham police force. The Mayor of Leicester wrote: “Mr Farndale is a thoroughly practical man, and an excellent disciplinarian. Towards the men he is considerate and firm, and has won their entire confidence and respect. Throughout the town, by the authorities he is fully trusted and highly esteemed.” While at Leicester Mr Farndale's salary was twice increased each time by the sum of £100. Several of the leading officers who served under him there rose to important positions in other forces, and the Leicester police became known as one of the best organised bodies in the provinces.

Mr Farndale succeeded the late Major Bond as Chief Constable of Birmingham, and his services in connection with the dynamite conspiracy will be remembered. He has won the esteem of the citizens of the Midland metropolis, and will retire on an allowance of £600 a year. On his leaving Leicester, it may be added, he was presented with a silver salver and purse of £200, the members of the police force testifying to their goodwill in an illuminated address.[117]                                    

Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street dynamite conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsham street in 1883 and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan is in the same month of the following year are matters of history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of these men, the Watch Committee, with the approval of the then Home Secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary by £100 per annum. Sir William Harcourt, in writing to express his approval of the action of the committee, said, “I desire to testify the very high opinion I have formed at Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, throughout the whole of this matter and in other transactions of a similar nature, in which I have received from him valuable assistance” Not only the public of Birmingham, but those of Leicester and Chesterfield, who know Mr Farndale’s worth, and have had the pleasure of his friendship, will wish that in his retirement he may be restored to health.[118]

The resignation of the Chief Constable of Birmingham (Mr Joseph Farndale) through ill health will cause a vacancy in a post to which a salary of £900 a year is attached. Like the Chief Constable of Exeter, and many of the best men at the head of the police force, he rose from the ranks. He was Chief Constable of Chesterfield at the age of 26. Mr Farndale’s reputation was enhanced by the breaking up of what was known as the Ledsam Street Dynamite Conspiracy. The arrest of Whitehead in Ledsam Street in 1883 and the subsequent capture of Daly and Egan in the same month are matters of history. In consequence of the part he played in the arrest of those men the Watch Committee, with the approval of the home secretary, increased Mr Farndale’s salary to £100 per annum. Sir William Harcourt, in writing to express his approval of the action of the Committee said, “I desire to testify the very high opinion I have formed of Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Birmingham, throughout the whole of this matter and in other transactions of a similar nature, in which I have received from him valuable assistance.”[119]

 

Scene 5 – Joseph’s final years after retiring

On Joseph Farndale’s resignation as Chief Constable of Birmingham through ill health, his nephew, the younger Joseph Farndale was shortlisted amongst eight to succeed his uncle, but in the event Sir Charles Haughton Rafter was appointed.

Joseph Farndale’s health continued to be a concern. It is reported that the health of Mr Farndale, ex Chief Constable of Birmingham, is still in a state which causes anxiety. He is at present staying near Blackpool.[120] The health of ex Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, who is staying at the hydro, near Blackpool, has not improved on the unsatisfactory state we reported some time back. It is still such as to give his friends cause for anxiety.[121] The late Chief Constable, Mr Farndale has returned to Birmingham from Blackpool. He contemplates taking up his residence in the city, I understand, and is at present residing in Calthorpe Road. His health is now much better than it has been lately. The presentation which the police purpose making him will assume the form of a dog cart, an easy chair, and an illuminated address in book form. The presentation will, in all probability, be made next week.[122]

Joseph Farndale died, aged 59, at the Hollies, Sutton Coldfield, on 8 August 1901, having served for 17 years as Chief Constable of Birmingham, and previously as Chief Constable of Chesterfield and Leicester.

Passing the grapes to the wrong man

A reminiscence of Joseph Farndale, the unintended recipient of some grapes wrote in 1907, reading the article in the Mail the other evening on Police Court officers of the past in Birmingham, I was reminded of an amusing little incident of which I was a witness some years ago at the Victoria Law courts. At the time it occurred I was sitting by the side of the late Mr. Hammond, as genial and genuine an old soul as ever pleaded before the magistrates. Mr. Hammond had retired from active practise in those days, yet he remained one of the most familiar figures at the courts, where he seemed to have a smile and a nod of recognition for everybody. It was one of his little eccentricities to carry in his trouser pocket a supply of grapes, to which his hand stole every now and again as lunch drew near. Among the messenger boys who flitted in and out of the press seats, these grapes were a well known quantity, by reason of the fact that Mr Hammond often gave the lads a few, the fruit generally passing from one to the other undercover of the table provided in front of the dock, or the convenience of the solicitors addressing the bench. On the day in question Mr Hammond had motioned a messenger boy on his side, but the lad had no sooner taken his seat than the chief constable of that day, the late Mr Farndale, appeared at the table. The boy instantly rose to make way for the chief, and down sat Mr Farndale, without his presence being apparent to Mr Hammond, who at the moment was deeply engrossed in certain evidence that was being tendered from the witness box. He still had his eyes fixed intently on the witness when, dipping a hand abstractedly into his pocket, he pulled out a few grapes and pushed them quietly into Mr Farndale's hand. I leave readers who remember the somewhat pompous dignity of the late chief to imagine the astonishment, not unmixed with a semblance of annoyance, with which he regarded the proffered fruit; but even Mr Farndale’s surprise was mild compared with that of the worthy lawyer when he realised the embarrassing nature of the situation. Mr. Hammond had a rare fund of reminiscence, and I have heard him tell some remarkable stories of the historic days of the gun making boom in Birmingham in the early 70s.[123]

Superman

Before long he was recalled as a ‘superman’. A retrospect on the municipal aspect in 1921 was sent to the editor of the Leicester Mail. Sir, I settled in Leicester in the 1877. The present Sir James Bell of London, was certainly the Superman, with Mr Hiley a remarkably good second. I remember on one occasion when it was proposed to bring forth a Bill in Parliament for borough extensions, Mr Hiley took leading counsel's opinion, with the result that it was dropped as being impracticable at the time. Would that similar course had been adopted with regard to the present I should imagine him to be a very capable waterworks engineer and reliable advisor. There have been several, I believe half a dozen, chief constables of whom there is no doubt the late Mr Farndale was a Superman. At the same time I think the present holder of the position is a thoroughly reliable and efficient officer.[124]

The handsomest Chief Constable

And there were those arguing that Joseph Farndale had been the handsomest chief constable. It was written in 1921 of the late Mr Farndale. Another correspondent challenges my assertion that Mr Farndale was the handsome list chief constable Leicester ever had. He writes: “The handsomest chief constable in recent times and distant, for the matter of that, was not Mr Farndale, but Chief Constable Lumley, particularly when he was in uniform. He was by far the handsomest chief constable Leicester has ever heard, and chief constable Alan is the brainiest.”[125]

In 1929, one must not forget to notice to the Chief Constable of his day, Joseph Farndale, the most distinguished chief constable in living memory, so like the Prince of Wales people used to say of him.[126]

Joseph Farndale 1842 to 1901 The Chief Victorian Constable of Birmingham who foiled a Jack the Ripper Hoax and played a key role in uncovering the Ledsam Dynamite Conspiracy

 

Part 2 – Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford

 

Scene 1 - The Halifax Policeman

Joseph Farndale’s nephew was also called Joseph Farndale, born at the Smith Arms, Wakefield on 6 April 1965[127]. His father was an innkeeper.  On leaving school the younger Joseph was apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable.[128] He married Emma Selby in 1883[129].

Joseph joined the police at the age of twenty in 1884.

Rescue from a fire

The younger Joseph extinguished a house fire in October 1889. About four o’clock on Thursday afternoon information was taken to the police office that a fire had broken out at the house occupied by Squire Ackroyd, carter, Governor Street, off Waterhouse Street. PC Farndale went to the place and found the door was locked and the room full of smoke. The door was forced open, and it was discovered that the bed was on fire. Farndale procured a few buckets of water and extinguished the fire, but not before the clothes and the bed were destroyed. Ackroyd and his wife were not at home during the afternoon and it is not known how the fire originated.[130]

Rapid promotion

By December 1888, Joseph had been promoted to Sergeant. The unusual spectacle of a solicitor being ordered out was witnessed at the Halifax police court on Wednesday, Frederick J Chapman and Mark Briggs, millhands, Spring Hall lane, were charged on remand with having committed an unprovoked assault upon Franklin Ro, painter, on the evening of November 26th. Mr Moore, who was for the defence persisted in interfering and raising objections in the case with a vehemence which the Bench appeared to resent, and eventually, upon a sergeant from the adjoining barracks being called to speak to the fact of finding the complainant in the road, Mr Moore objected several times to his evidence. At last after several altercations with Mr Boorcock, the Bench told Mr Moore that if he again interfered they would have him removed from the court. Mr Moore persisted in his interference and the Bench directed the Chief Constable (Mr C Pole) to have him removed from court. Police Sergeant Farndale was entrusted with the task of carrying out the instruction of the Bench, but Mr Moore proceeded to leave the court, intimating that he would take action against the magistrate on account of the treatment he had received. The further hearing of the case was adjourned until Friday.[131]

In May 1890 Ellen Dobson, a married woman, whose husband is employed at the coal yard at the railway station, and who resides at Range-lane, Halifax, was brought before the magistrates. Police Sergeant Farndale said that shortly after ten o’clock the woman came to the police office with a knife in her hand and said she wanted to cut her throat. He sent for her husband. He was evidently suffering from the effects of drink. The husband said she had been drinking for a fortnight. They had no family. The woman was remanded.[132]

By 1891 Joseph Farndale, head, 26, was described as a Police Clerk living at 18 Colberk Street, with Emma Farndale, his wife, 28; Florence Farndale, aged 6; Eveline Farndale, aged 5[133]. He was soon promoted to Chief Clerk with the Halifax police, with ambitions for Chief Constableship, like his uncle. In September 1891 the Watch Committee of the Grantham Town Hall appointed Chief Inspector Holland, of Bootle, Liverpool, as Chief Constable of the Borough. Thirty applications were sent in, from which six were selected and applicants attended before the committee. The others included Chief Clerk Farndale, Halifax.[134]

The forger

He soon gained a reputation as a detective when he chased down a forger to Liverpool. In December 1892 at the Halifax Borough Court on Monday, Charles Fawcett, of the Square, Halifax, was charged with having forged a cheque for £2,000 on the Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, in the name of David Haigh, who has a deposit account there. Prisoner is only 19 years of age, has for some time been employed as a bank clerk at the bank. Prisoner is well known and respectably connected. For some time past he has expended his money lavishly, and Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police Force, traced him to Walton on the Hill, Liverpool and arrested him on Saturday night. He had over £80 in his possession and a loaded six chambered revolver. The disclosures have created a great deal of a stir in Halifax.[135]

Head of Halifax Detectives

Joseph Farndale became head of the Halifax detective department at Christmas 1892. The appointment of Chief Clerk Inspector Farndale to the head of the Halifax Detective Department will be perceived with favour by those with whom the Inspector will come into contact. During the discharge of the onerous duties of Chief Clerk he has displayed abilities which fit him for the post of Detective Inspector, and he is a worthy successor to the late Inspector, Mr E Newburn. The compliment paid by Mr Evans to Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax police on Friday on his smart capture of the alleged Forger Fawcett was well merited and adds another feather to the cap of the Inspector. The pace by Fawcett was hotter than generally known, and the young man being known to be in possession of firearms, the chase implied a certain amount of risk. Fawcett took the train to Littleborough, where he alighted. Rochdale was reached by a subsequent train, and Preston was afterwards visited, Fawcett taking the precaution to change his attire. The same evening Fawcett took part in a fancy dress ball at Preston and then decamped to Liverpool where the Inspector “ran him to earth” in the suburbs. Altogether the capture was a very smart one.[136]

 

Scene 2 - Chief Constable of Margate Police

The younger Joseph became Chief Constable of Margate Borough Police in June 1893.

Detective Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police, has been appointed Chief Constable of Margate. Mr Farndale, who is only 30 years of age, is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a well known tradesman in that city. He was educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, and was intended for a chemist and druggist. Ten years ago, he relinquished that profession for the police force, which had greater attractions for him, and he became a constable at Halifax. His ability was recognised, and at the end of four years he has risen to be chief clerk. For six years he has discharged the duties of that position ably and successfully. Upon the retirement of Detective Inspector Newburn he was appointed head of the detective department, and the success which he achieved in another sphere followed him there. Mr Farndale's appointment to the Chief Constableship of Margate his well deserved. He is in a nephew of Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, who also commenced at the bottom rung of the ladder, starting as a constable at Middlesbrough some 30 years ago.[137]

The new chief constable of Margate, Mr Farndale, started, like his uncle, the chief constable of Birmingham, from the bottom rung of the ladder. A native of Wakefield, he began life in an apothecary’s shop, but at the age of twenty abandoned the pestle and mortar and took service in the Halifax police force. His choice of an occupation was justified in the event, for in four years he rose to be chief clerk, and five years later was appointed head of the detective department. He is still a young man, having yet to complete his thirty first year.[138]

‘Tramps’ and pedlars

Amongst other concurrent roles, Joseph became, in the antiquated language of the day, the Assistant Relieving Officer for Tramps. A letter was received from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Margate, in which he state that his predecessor (Mr Buck) having held the appointment of assistant relieving officer for tramps, at a salary of £5 5s per annum, he should be pleased if the Guardians would appoint him to the post. On the motion of Mr Holttum, Mr Farndale was appointed to the same office at the same salary as his predecessor.[139]

In August 1893, in the trial of a man charged with having acted as a pedlar and assault, Chief Constable Farndale said he had received several complaints of the conduct of pedlars, who intimidated women by forcing goods on them.[140]

In August 1896 Joseph wrote, in reply to the Board’s letter, that he quite agreed with the Guardians that the accommodation for vagrants was inadequate in Margate, and he intended shortly to bring the matter before the local authority. It was not the custom to put vagrants into a common lodging house unless it was too late to send them by train to Minster.[141]

Controlling horses

In a question of leaving horses uncontrolled in September 1893 Chief Constable Farndale said he took up these cases on grounds of public safety, as a few days before this offence a horse attached to a brewer’s van (which was being unloaded) ran away along Marine terrace and it was a miracle that there was not a serious accident.[142]

Weights and measures

Joseph was also the Inspector of Weights and Measures. In June 1894 Mr J Farndale, formerly detective inspector at Halifax, and now Chief Constable of Margate, has passed the examination held by the Board of Trade for inspector of weights and measures.[143]

Failing to whistle on a bike

Joseph Farndale was regularly involved in bicycling offences. In August 1895, William Sparn was summoned for riding a bicycle in Paradise street without giving an audible warning of his approach. Chief Constable Farndale said the defendant rode the bicycle, on the 3rd inst, between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening, down Paradise street, and there collided with a foot passenger, who was crossing the roadway. He was not heard to whistle or ring his bell.[144]

The regretful maid

In February 1896 Jane Dack, domestic servant, aged 17, from Norfolk, was charged by her master, Mr Hugh Denny, 29 with stealing a gold ring and about £10. The prisoner pleaded guilty and said she was sorry for it. She also said her mistress had been very kind to her, and she had had a good place. Head Constable Farndale, having said she told him how she spent the money, and that she was seized with a temptation to steal, which she deeply regretted. Her mistress had very kindly informed the magistrates that she would take her back into service, therefore they would bind her over for six months to be of good behaviour to her mistress and everybody. The prisoner thanked the magistrates and her mistress, and said she would do all she could to be a good girl in future.[145]

Motor cars exceeding two miles an hour

There was concern about a motor car driving in excess of 2 miles per hour. Times were changing and the law needed to catch up. In August 1896 Charles Turrell, of 40 Holborn Viaduct, London, was summoned before the Borough Justices on Wednesday for, on two dates, driving a locomotive on the high street at a greater speed than two miles an hour. The Chief Constable said the locomotive was a motor car and came within the provisions of the Act. PC Bellingham proved that on 31st July he saw the defendant driving his motor car down Paradise Street to the Parade at the rate of 14 miles an hour. In cross examination by Mr Hills, he said he had seen another motor car on the street, and had not reported it; that one was driven carefully, and less than 14 miles an hour. Herbert Twyman swore that the motor car in this instance was driven at the speed of 14 miles an hour. Chief Constable Farndale, examined by Mr Hills, said he knew it was an offence to drive a motor car in the streets more than two miles an hour. He knew that a motor car was plying for hire in this borough for a month, and he had ridden in it. He did not proceed against the man by whom it was driven, because he did not think it was desirable to do so, but in this case, the driver travelled at a rate dangerous to the public, viz, 14 miles an hour. He did not know when he issued the summons that an Act of Parliament had been passed into law permitting motor vehicles to travel on the highway like other vehicles. Mr Hills stated that the Act had received Royal Asset; he could not say when; but it had passed through Parliament before the summons was issued. The case was dismissed, and the second summons was withdrawn.[146]

Driving a horse and cart under the influence

An early case of drunk horse and trap driving was brought to the Police Court in early January 1897. On Saturday, at the Margate Borough Police Court, a fly driver named John William Woodward, appeared in answer to a summons for being drunk in charge of a horse and trap, on Christmas Eve. Defendant continually interrupted whilst the officers gave evidence and caused much amusement when he made the remark “I was as sober as I am now.” It was quite evident that whilst the defendant stood in the dock he was suffering from the effects of liquor. The Chief Constable stated that he had seen several times previously convicted, but in view of the festive season, the chairman intimated that he would only be fined 10s and costs. Defendant: I won’t pay. The Chairman: Fourteen days. Defendant was about to be removed to the cells, when he shouted “Give us another minute” and clung to the rails of the dock. The assistance of three policemen had to be obtained in order to take the prisoner downstairs. Woodward was placed in the dock again on Monday morning when Chief Constable Farndale informed the magistrates that the prisoner was not in a fit condition to be admitted to the gaol on Saturday. He (prisoner) now wished to apologise for his conduct at the previous hearing and wanted to know if the mayor would allow him time to pay the fine. Prisoner said he was sorry for what had occurred, but before going to the Court his master gave him some drink which upset him. The magistrates refused the application and the prisoner was removed below.[147] A fly driver drove a one horse lightweight carriage.

Arson by chimney fire

In February 1897, on a charge against a man for wilfully setting fire to his chimney Chief Constable Farndale said when a witness told the defendant his chimney was on fire, he said he knew it, and was going to burn the place down. At that time there was a quantity of timber on a large coal fire, and some waste paper in the fender.[148]

Too many passengers on an omnibus

The omnibus bye laws were infringed in August 1897 when Edwin Gayward, 28, Byron Road, was summoned for conveying a greater number of persons in an omnibus of which he was the driver that he was authorised to do. Chief Constable Farndale said the proceedings were taken under the 15th of the Omnibus Bylaws, which laid down that no more than 18 persons, exclusive of the driver and conductor, should occupy an omnibus drawn by two horses. The defendant had 20 passengers, and when PC Leper pointed that fact out to him, before he left the stand, he defied to the constable and drove off. PC Leper having proved the case, the defendant said his break was licenced by the Watch Committee to accommodate 22 persons, but Alderman Wootton, who is on the Watch Committee, denied that was the case. Sergeant Ferrier said there were twenty adult passengers and one child. The defendant repeated that his break was licenced to carry 22, and that he did not know anything of 18. He admitted that, including children, he had 21 passengers; two children counted as one passenger. The defendant was fined 5s and 8s costs.[149]

 

Scene 3 - Chief Constable of York Police

Joseph Farndale became Chief Constable of York from 1897 to 1900[150].

Joseph was given a good send off from Margate. In October 1897, presentations were made to Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of this borough, who has recently been appointed to the command of the city police of York. The mayor presided and there were present.[151]

Itchy feet

Clearly ambitious, it wasn’t long before Joseph Farndale was looking for another upgrade. In November 1898 four selected candidates for the appointment of chief constable of Sheffield are Mr. James Enright, chief constable of Rotherham; Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York; Commander Scott, chief constable of Salford, and Mr Edward Sperrin, Chief Superintendent at Liverpool There were 19 candidates.[152] In December 1898 Mr A C Mackintosh, at present chief constable of Maidstone, formerly chief clerk in the Leeds police office, is among the applicants for the vacant chief constable ship of Newcastle. The list also includes the names of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York, and Mr W H Jones, chief constable of Stockport. Another of the applicant is a London barrister, while the chief clerk of the Bucks County council figures in the list.[153] In January 1899 the Watch Committee of Newcastle Corporation yesterday made a selection of five from the list of candidates for the position of Chief Constable of the city, at a salary to begin with of £500. The Council will be invited to make the final choice to which the Watch Committee will give effect next Friday. The selected five included Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York.[154] He didn’t do well in the Newcastle Chief Constable application, perhaps it was too soon. A meeting of the Newcastle City Council was held yesterday, in the council chamber, Mr George Harkus, Mayor, presiding, the principal business being the appointment of a chief constable for the city. The following was the result of the vote voting: The first vote. The first vote was Wilson, 22; Wright, 20; Wymer, 10; Morant, 8; Farndale, 3. Second vote. The name of Mr Farndale was dropped.[155] In January the Newcastle City Council yesterday took a vote upon the five candidates selected by the Watch Committee from the applicants for the position of Chief Constable. District Inspector James B Wright (37) was appointed. The other selected candidates included Joseph Farndale (34), chief constable, York.[156]

Within months Joseph was applying for the vacancy for Chief Constableship of the city of Birmingham, after his uncle Joseph Farndale had resigned that post due to ill health[157]. 

Killing a swan on the Ouse

On 8 January 1899, some person or persons wilfully killed a young swan on the Rover Ouse, near Clifton Ings, the property of the Ouse Navigation Committee, by shooting it in the neck. A reward was offered to any person giving such information as will lead to the conviction of the offender. Joseph Farndale, Chef Constable, Chief Constable’s Office, York.

The new fire engine is son tested

In May 1899, York took possession of a splendid new fire engine. Yesterday afternoon, in St George’s Fields, the power of a new fire engine, which has been supplied to the town of Thornaby on Tees by Messrs Rose, of Manchester, was tested. The operations were under the superintendence of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale). The engine is guaranteed to pump 350 gallons per hour, but when under full pressure it threw 153 gallons more, or a total of 503 gallons per hour.[158]

In December 1899 a fire broke out in the Salem Chapel, York, last night which was fortunately subdued before it reached very large proportions, although it caused a considerable amount of damage while it lasted. The information of the outbreak was conveyed to the central police station by Mr. Smith of the steam laundry, Aldwark, by telephone at 4.46. The steamer and fire escape were at once sent off in the charge of Superintendent Gains and Inspector Mason who were subsequently joined by the chief constable Mr Farndale. On their arrival the brigade found flames issuing from the gallery windows on the left-hand side of the building. Mr Smith's men were at work with the hosepipe throwing water on the flames through the windows. The brigade connected their hose with the hydrant in St Saviourgate, and went into the building and played on the flames, which they soon succeeded in extinguishing. There are two means of heating the chapel, one by gas which warms the upper part and the other by hot water pipes which heats the lower portion, and it is supposed that the fire originated in some way from the gas apparatus.[159]

Queen’s birthday

The 80th birthday of the Queen was celebrated in May 1899 in York with becoming loyalty. The following magistrates preceded by the Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) were the first of the civic dignitaries to arrive.[160]

 

Scene 4 - Chief Constable of Bradford City Police Force, 1 August 1900 to 31 December 1930 (30 years)

Joseph became Chief Constable at Bradford in 1900, to succeed Roderick Ross, who had left for Edinburgh[161].

In July 1900 there were congratulations and regrets in York. At the York City Police Court on Monday the magistrates present were the Lord Mayor, Alderman Rymer and Mr H Tennant. The Lord Mayor addressing the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that since they had seen him in that court they had heard that he had been appointed to the chief constableship of Bradford. They could congratulate Mr Farndale, although he did not think that they could congratulate themselves. They could congratulate him on getting the appointment at Bradford, and upon the able way in which he had discharged his duties in that court.[162]

Clearly the issue was that the councillors of York were skimping on pay, and in consequence were not keeping their high officers. A special meeting of the York City council was held on Monday evening, to receive and consider the following report of the Watch Committee: “Your committee have to report that the chief constable has tendered his resignation, having received the appointment of chief constable at the city of Bradford. The committee desire to record their high appreciation of the efficient manner in which Mr Joseph Farndale has discharged the duties of chief constable of this city, and whilst congratulating him on his promotion to the chief constable ship of Bradford, they regret that his services will be lost to the city. The committee recommend that they be authorised to advertise for a successor to Mr Farndale at a commencing salary of £350 per annum.[163] A letter soon appeared to the editor of the Yorkshire Herald. Sir, will you allow me to give expression through your paper to the general opinion which exists in the city, that the corporation of York have made another serious mistake in permitting Mr Farndale to accept a more lucrative and responsible position, when an advance of salary would have secured his continued services in this city. If I am informed that on each of the three occasions when Mr Farndale became a candidate for vacant appointments, he had previously intimated his intention to the Watch Committee, but had received no encouragement to stir any advance either then, or in the future, and he was therefore compelled to obtain preferment outside the City of York, where his services would be better recognised and appreciated. There is another instance of that short sighted policy of penny wise and pound foolish, which characterised characterise the actions of the majority of our councillors.[164]

On 9 August 1900 Mr J Farndale, late of York, and now the Chief Constable of Bradford, was formally introduced to his men.[165]

Juvenile crime

There was a problem with juvenile crime in Bradford. Bradford is creating an undesirable reputation just now for juvenile criminality. Of late months the number of young persons brought before the City Court has been greatly in increase of anything experienced for some considerable period, and the Stipendiary Magistrate ha's intimated that he will in future adopt a much sterner attitude to those who are bought before him, especially after a first conviction. During the quarter just closed no less than 52 persons under the age of 16, consisting of 50 boys and 2 girls, have been charged with various offences, as compared with only five in the previous quarter. Recently there have been systematic raids on pigeon cotes and places where poultry is kept, whilst other youths have devoted their attention to stripping the metal from uninhabited houses and warehouses. The subject has occupied the serious attention of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), and he has come to the conclusion that the facilities afforded young persons for the disposal of the stolen property is an important element in the present undesirable condition of affairs. The law restricts the purchase of smaller quantities of metals, but this fact notwithstanding, there are brokers and marine store dealers who are open to take small lots of material from young people, and the police complain that they have not powered sufficiently comprehensive to deal in the most effective way with these dealers. To remedy this defect as far as possible, application is to be made to parliament in the next session cover for an extension of the powers the city police at present possess, and a clause to that effect has been included in the bill which the Bradford Corporation is promoting. By this means it is hoped something will be done to lessen the number of juvenile criminals in the district; And meanwhile the city Chief Constable is making what use he can of the powers he now possesses, and proceedings are to be taken against some dealers who have not, it is thought, exercised such discretion as is necessary by persons in their position. It is a fact that today there are in Armley gaol more young criminals from Bradford than from any other large city centre of population in the West Riding of Yorkshire.[166]

In 1901, Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Police, head, aged 36 was living at 2 Undercliffe Lane, Bradford with Emma Farndale, his wife, aged 38; Florence Selby Farndale, aged 16; Eveline Farndale, aged 15; Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, aged 7; and Luch Woodhams and Maria Mocarthy, servants[167].

Dawn of a new century

The new century was welcomed in at Bradford. In commemoration of the opening of the twentieth century, the Mayor (Mr W C Lupton), the members of the City Council, the chief officials of the Corporation, the city magistrates, and a number of gentlemen representing institutions of the town, attended Divine service yesterday at Bradford Parish Church. The procession consisted of a posse of police under Chief Constable Farndale (who had altogether 120 men on duty in connection with the proceedings).[168]

Looking splendid with his mounted posse

The inspection of the Bradford City Police Force afternoon at Manningham park was quite a smart and interesting event. Beautiful spring weather prevailed, and the park looked well. The green on the left hand side of the main carriage drive had been staked off for the occasion by a number of flags, and shortly after two o’clock the men of the force were marshalled in various sections fronting the main road. The constables were paraded pending the arrival of the Government Inspector by Sergeant Brown (Drill instructor to the force). All told they numbered over 300 men. This included 25 sergeants, 13 inspectors, and superintendents Blenkinsop, Ackroyd, Bogart, White, and Thompson. Both officers and men were in full uniform, and presented an imposing appearance. Exceptional pains had been taken to thoroughly clean all the metal facings, and the citizens of Bradford have reason to be proud of the smart body of men whose duty it is to patrol the streets of this city and to protect our lives and belongings. A detachment of mounted police, in charge of inspector Mattocks, was a feature of the proceedings, and the detective staff, under the command of Chief Inspector Abbey, were attired in smart civilian dress and wearing silk hats. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, was the most conspicuous feature of the assembly. He was mounted on a spirited steed, and was dressed in an attractive uniform, with a glittering sword hanging by his side. His chapeau was surmounted by plumes.[169]

The curious cases of fortune tellers

In 1901, Joseph Farndale became involved in a number of cases of fortune tellers ripping off their clients.

A curious case of fortune telling came before Mr Skidmore (Stipendiary Magistrate), who found the affair very funny. On the evening of 25 May 1901 a defendant was visited at his house by two of the police matrons.

According to the evidence of the former, the defendant’s first device was to fold two pieces of paper into the form of diamonds, after which he asked the visitors when and where they were born. Mr Skidmore: That is a very dangerous question to ask a lady; I hope you didn’t tell him (laughter). Continuing the witness said that the defendant wrote the information on the diamond formed papers, and then retired saying he was going to meditate as to what planet or planets the visitors were born under. After an absence of about ten minutes, he returned with the information that witness was born under Venus (laughter). He predicted for witness a lot of trouble and sickness this year, but said there would be a change for the better next year. She would he added do well as a lodging house keeper, and he warned her against taking a voyage on the water until next year; this year there was an evil aspect over her (laughter). Had the hour of her call been midnight he would have predicted a voyage abroad next year. He advised her to transact all her important business on the Thursday directly following a new moon. He told her that she would have two offers of marriage during the next year – one from a single man and one from a widower (laughter). Mr Skidmore: Is the defendant a widower? (renewed laughter).  The witness said she paid the defendant 1s 6d for telling her fortune. The defendant told her if she preferred to have it written down it would cost 2s 6d.

In cross examination the defendant complained that the callers had given wrong names. Mr Skidmore: That doesn’t matter; they were told a great many things at your house that were wrong. Defendant: I didn’t send for them. Mr Skidmore: Nobody says you did. Defendant: I haven’t been doing much business during the last three or four years due to my health. Mr Skidmore: And you will do less after today.

Ellen Whitehouse, a married woman, corroborated the testimony of the first witness. The defendant predicted for her two offers of marriage (laughter).

Detective Haigh said he had made inquiries as to the defendant’s antecedents. He had ascertained that the defendant had drawn considerably over £1,000 from a gentleman in Knaresborough in this kind of business – driving away the evil aspect (laughter). He had been carrying on in this way for sixteen years. Mr Skidmore: I shouldn’t have thought there was so much money in Knaresborough. Detective Haigh: The gentleman there has now become seriously ill, and the doctor says it is all due to this man bothering him. He is nearly seventy years of age.

In reply to Mr Skidmore, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) aid there was no previous conviction against the defendant for this kind of offence, but he had been fined for assaulting his wife. He had been carrying on business for twenty years in Bradford and called himself a herbalist. Defendant (to the detective): I haven’t drawn over £1000 from that man. Detective Haigh: You have had £1 a week from him for over twenty years. Defendant: No, I haven’t had 10s. Mr Skidmore: You ought not to have had 10d.

Detective Haigh: He has gone down to this gentleman’s house regularly about once a week, ad has spent the night in boiling down beats’ hearts and putting it into ginger beer bottles to drive the evil spirits away. He would spend the night in this way and leave next morning. Mr Skidmore: I see, a sort of incantation (laughter).

The Chief Constable said the visitors to the defendant’s house were not confined to any particular class. This Knaresborough business had been put to an end.

Mr Skidmore (to the defendant): You are a rogue and a vagabond. That is what the law calls you. If you had been convicted before you would have been sent to prison for a long term without the option of a fine. There is no doubt that you have been carrying on this business and imposing upon His Majesty’s subjects for a long period of time. You will be fined £10 and 12s costs, or six weeks imprisonment.

In June 1901 at Bradford City Police Court a defendant was charged with stealing a pair of bathing drawers, value 6d, the property of the Bradford Corporation. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) remarked that no fewer than 100 pairs of drawers had disappeared from one of the baths within the last six weeks.[170]

The problem of fortune teller ‘scams’ returned in 1902. A well dressed and somewhat handsome woman named Mrs Annis Wood, of 7 Nelson Square, Bradford, was before the Bradfords Stipendiary, Mr C Skidmore, this morning on two charges of unlawfully telling fortunes. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that the prosecution was under the Vagrancy Act of 1824[171]. Defendant had lived at the address named for three years, and her visitors numbered sometimes 100 a day. They were principally ladies, who called to have their fortunes told. Defendant looked at her clients’ hands and then pretended to tell them something about their future. After that she took their handkerchief, rolled it into a ball, and preceded with her story. They then paid a fee of a shilling or so, the amount varying according to the client's circumstances. Mrs Annie Ledger, of 39 Alexander St, said that on Friday, February 28, she visited the defendant's house, and arranged to call again on the following Thursday. She went at three o’clock, and arranged to call again at four o’clock. Defendant answered the door, and showed her into a room where there were five other ladies. These took their turns to visit Mrs Wood in another room, and witness, who had taken her wedding ring off, was the last but one. Witness said the defendant told her she was a single woman. The Stipendiary: “A very bad shot”. Witness: “She said I should not be engaged for a very long time. She then asked me if I knew a dark man with eyes darker than my own who had not been true to me? Then she asked if I knew another darker than her? I said no. She said he thought the world of me (laughter) and that I knew it. I told her I did not know that.” Then she said I was not really strong, that I should have a lot of sickness, but nothing dangerous. She gave a prescription, one ounce of Epsom salts, an ounce of magnesium, and announce of essence of peppermint. The Stipendiary: “That is what they call a love powder”. (Laughter). Witness, proceeding, said , “Then she said there would be two deaths in the family. I should not bother about one, but for the other I should have to go into a very deep mourning. The last death was to bring me some money. She asked me for my handkerchief, which she rolled up. She next told me that a married man thought more about me than he did about his wife, and there was no love between them. (Laughter). She said that if I was not careful it would be a law case. The man would go in for a divorce, and marry me at once if I was agreeable. She said I should have a very successful year. I should have money, and things would be brighter all around. I asked her fee, and she said 1s 6d. I put two single shillings down, and she took one and returned the other.” Witness added that she went at the instigation of the police. Cross examined by Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who appeared for the defendant,: “There was no pressure put upon me by the defendant. She did not know whether Mrs Wood advertised. She made a note of the proceedings when she got home. The Stipendiary: “If this is true it is an offence”. Mr Earnshaw submitted it was not a case of fortune telling. There was no intention to impose upon people. Palmistry was not illegal, and was not fortune telling. The act had been framed for the protection of people against gypsies. This was not an offence under the Act. The Stipendiary held that if the witness’s story was true an offence had been proved. Mr Earnshaw put his client into the box. Mrs Wood said that she had been engaged in clairvoyance for nine years, and in palmistry for four years. Mr Earnshaw, “How do you know you have the power of clairvoyance?” Defendant: “It is only in born”. Defendant added that before she took money she advised friends and neighbours gratuitously. People paid her what they thought fit. She remembered Mrs Ledger coming. She took her hands and read the lines. “They were very fine lines,” said the defendant in an impressive voice and with a theatrical air. “I said,” Defendant went on “you are a married lady.” she said “No”. I said “Be truthful to me and I will be truthful to you.” I said “you certainly know a gentleman that works at a large building within 3 minutes of the railway station. The gentleman before long will have an improvement in his position.” Defendant added that in the course of her career she had been consulted by a large number of people, about 25 a day, but not 100. Stipendiary: “A very nice way of getting a living. It is much easier than mine”. (Laughter). Defendant: “I only work four days a week. It is not true that I receive fees of a sovereign or even half a sovereign. I have had girls visit me of 18 years of age, but none younger. Mr Earnshaw: “Have you done it in the hope of reward?” Defendant: “A clergyman gets reward”. The chief constable, in answer to the Stipendiary, said that they estimated the Defendant was making £300 a year. She had plenty of clients, including carriage people. She told things to young girls which had caused stress in many respectable Bradford homes. He asked for the law to be enforced. Stipendiary: “If you come here again and the offences proved you will be sent to gaol. This morning I shall find you find you pounds £25 and 12 S costs, or one month. The chief constable was proceeding to examine his witness in the second case when Mr Earnshaw pleaded guilty. He asked for time in which to pay the fine. The Stipendiary: “I am pleased to see she can engage counsel”. Mr Earnshaw: “I am engaged by the Occultist's League, and not by Mrs wood. On the second charge a fine of £10 and 12s costs, or 21 days was imposed. The chief constable objected to allowing the defendant time to pay under the circumstances.[172]

His famous uncle’s death

When Joseph’s uncle, Joseph Farndale died in 1901, at a meeting of the Watch Committee today, a letter was read from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable at Bradford, thanking the committee for the resolution of condolence in respect to the death of the late Mr Joseph Farndale.[173]

Music licences and the signing ‘oils

In January 1902, Joseph Farndale became involved in a moral crusade against music licences for the “Singing ‘oils” of Bradford. Transplant the average Midland “man about town” on a Saturday night or a bank holiday night, into any of the larger Yorkshire centres of population, and the first feature of “about town” life which would strike him would be the public house “singing ‘oil” or free and easy, for he knows none such. The present writer's first introduction to one was in 1893, at Sheffield, and the recollection of its melodiousness, its rowdiness, its rudimentary harmony, and its flood of ale, is yet with him. An atmosphere reeking with bad tobacco, a room crowded with men and women, in whom the “wine” with more than mellow, sloppy tables, sloppy songs, vigorous applause, and vigorous language, that is the sum and substance of the recollection. Since those days the Yorkshire singing ‘oil has somewhat improved but its main features remained the same on that night of all nights for alcoholic enjoyment - Saturday night. There is a little more outward seeming decency, and Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield... These recollections and reflections are prompted by the recent action of the Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. In Bradford there are 618 hotels and public houses; 368 of these have music licences, and 37 other places have similar licences. Altogether 405 music licences are held in the city. These are two fully fledged musicals, two theatres, and St. Georges hall and the mechanics institute to contribute to the legitimate amusement of the week in week out. In addition 10 or a dozen public houses in the centre of the city run singing ‘oils, some with the concomitant dignity of a regular playbill, some with millie a scratch selection of paid or amateur talent.[174]

A gold watch

In March 1902 Mr J Farndale, formerly chief of police of Margate, has been presented with a gold watch by the subordinate members of the Bradford force, in recognition of his successful endeavours to make the policeman’s lot a happy one.[175]

Always on duty

The Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) stated that a police officer was never off duty until he left the service.[176]

No more drinking time at the Coronation

No extra hours in pubs were allowed in 1902 in Bradford for the Coronation, even though Joseph did not object. A special sitting of the Bradford licencing bench, Mr. J Godwin presiding, was held this morning at the town hall to consider the application of Mr. A Neil, on behalf of the licenced victors, for an hour extension, eleven o’clock to twelve midnight, on the nights of June 26th and 27th. Mr Newell appeared on behalf of the beer sellers. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said he had no objection to the application. He was told that the Diamond Jubilee the police had had no cause of complaint. The Bench refused to grant any extension. Mr Neil also applied for an all night extension at the New Inn, Idle, stating that an ox was to be roasted in front of the hotel. The Bench refused the application.[177]

The baccarat players were not tolerated. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) contended that baccarat was an unlawful game wherever it was played. The Stipendiary (Mr C Skidmore) found that, firstly, the club was a bona fide club; secondly, that baccarat was an unlawful game as habitually played there, and, thirdly, the club was kept for two purposes – social and gambling, and that constituted a common gaming house.[178]

The folk of Bradford behaved well for the King’s Coronation. After the holiday for the new King’s coronation: Chief Constable Farndale expressed himself highly pleased with the conduct of the people yesterday and assures us that the police were given every assistance. To use his own words: “It was a good natured and thoroughly well-behaved crowd.” The streets were certainly well kept yesterday by the force.[179]

Standing up for his force

In September 1902 the magistrates dismissed a charge brought against a Cleckheaton labourer, to Joseph’s consternation. The evidence was contradictory and the Bench decided not to convict. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale): Then, I am to understand you do not believe my officer? The Chairman: I don’t like your way of putting the question. I am sure it is far from us to accuse your officer of speaking an untruth. It is possible he has got a mistaken idea. The Chief Constable: Well, sir, I must do my duty. If I put men into the box whom you cannot believe then I must endeavour to rid the city of them. The Chairman: There is a want of corroboration on both sides. The Chief Constable: I am not complaining because you have discharged the prisoner. I am concerned as to the truthfulness of my officers. The Chairman: We do not feel justified in convicting. That is all. The matter then dropped.[180]

Getting to know Joseph, the new model of Chief Constable

There was a Pen Portrait of Joseph Farndale in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903 entitled The Chief.

It may be either fortunate or unfortunate to know Mr Farndale, the gentleman who sits at the Town Hall as Chief Presenter of crime in the city of Bradford. If he is your friend, you will find him what the gamins call “OK”, but if you happen to come within the clutches of his myrmidons of the law you would be less appreciative, perhaps, of this man and his office. The chief constable has not been with us very long, but he has gained the respect of the law abiding citizens by his courtesy. He is not too big a man to oblige. We have known chief constables with a good deal fewer than 300 policemen at their beck and call who fancied all the powers of earth and heaven were committed to their charge. The swelling importance of such men is not pleasant to behold. Mr Farndale does not presume upon the dignity of his position, nor carry out his office despoticly in any way. He is rather of a modest and retiring disposition than otherwise and does not have thirst to fill the public eye. We have known some very autocratic chief constables. They used to exercise their functions mainly in county divisions and in the old days of quarter sessions. They were very great men in those days, and all chief constables were great men. The growth of democracy and the rise of county councils has reduced the awful state of the chiefs of police. They, for the most part, now do their duty like ordinary men. There was one of these personages in our youth who rejoiced in the dubious nickname, when in the army, of “Hellfire Jack”, and who as chief of police chastened public offenders in the street with a thick oaken stick, and who used to sit besides the magistrates on the bench and help the magistrates to administer the law.

Now we lay stress on the contrast between the old theology, beg pardon, the old style of chief constable, and the new. Mr Farndale is of the new model. His ideal is that the police should serve the people with civility and fidelity, and that perfect confidence should prevail between the force and the public. No man was more deeply hurt than he at the discredit thrown upon the Constabulary a few months back by the irregularities. Good relations exist between the chief constable hand and his men, and while strict he is no martinet. The consequences that we believe are force is an improvement on what it was a few years back. Mr Farndale having risen from the ranks, knows the whole round of a policeman's duties, and he judges his men with the eye of knowledge. The consequence is that the men had full faith in their chief, and tried to serve him well accordingly.

Mr Farndale is a quiet, dark man, who rules his men firmly, who tries to bring about obedience to the law, and yet is not guilty of straining the law against the accused person. As a rule a policeman acquires a certain amount of bias in the pursuit of his calling, and is not sufficiently inclined to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt. We have seen no excessive straining after convictions on the part of Mr Farndale, and this is the more noteworthy as he has a police ancestry.

Mr Farndale was born at Wakefield in 1864, and is the nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, the late distinguished chief constable Birmingham. He was educated at Field House Academy, Aberford, and was, early in life, apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable. For 10 years he was connected with that force, during which time he worked his way successfully through the different grades of Constable, Detective Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Clerk, and Detective Inspector. In 1893, when second in command of the Halifax police force, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Margate, which position he filled with marked success until 1897, when he was appointed chief constable of York. From there he came to Bradford, succeeding Mr Roderick Ross as chief constable in 1900.

During the three years he has been in Bradford, Mr Farndale has affected many reforms in the police administration of the city, and now it can truly be said that the force never was in a more efficient condition. With the example of his uncle before him, he is an enthusiast in his profession, and it was just that enthusiasm for his work which led to his rapid promotion in his early days of police service. Among his many smart pieces of work as a different detective at Halifax was his arrest of a bank clerk for forgery. The clerk absconded, and with but the slightest description, Mr Farndale started his pursuit, traced and followed his man to Littleborough, thence from place to place from Rochdale to Preston and Saint Helens to near Liverpool, where he ran his quarry to earth. In the course of his career some thousands of “wanteds” have passed through his hands, and his keen remembrance of faces once seen has often led to the arrest of the man wanted even after the lapse of a considerable time. Himself a smart man, Mr Farndale will tolerate none but smart men in his force; the sluggard has no sympathy from him, whereas the man of intelligence and security and is certain sooner or later to attract his high and receive promotion. Hence it may be that in the minds of some of his force he is unpopular, but he has the good opinion of the honest policeman, just as he enjoys the goodwill of the authorities and respectable portion of the community. Above all, he is a man of principle. His every action speaks that. From every town and city in which he has laboured Farndale has brought away some more or less tangible expression of appreciation of his work. When he went to Margate he found himself confronted with the difficulty of the overcrowding of passenger steamers. He faced the difficulty with unsparing hand. Some heavy fines were inflicted, and Mr Farndale today holds a special letter of thanks from the Board of Trade for the efforts which he made to curtail a practise which threatened disaster. Similarly the Bradford Temperance Party and free church council have thanked him publicly for the part paid him played in bringing about the suppression of the public house music licences. We cannot conclude this appreciative article without recounting an experience which he had in his early days at Bradford when he used to parade the streets at night disguised in order to ascertain for himself whether his men were doing their duty. Prowling about Westgate in the “wee sma’ hours” he was accosted by a constable, and peremptorily ordered to “move on or be locked up”. Failing to convince the constable as to his identity he discreetly “moved on” and we have not heard since of his zealousness leading him into such methods of supervision.[181]

The Fingerprints Pioneer

Joseph Farndale was a pioneer of the new use of fingerprints in Bradford. The city police authorities have just adopted the new system of identifying prisoners, and henceforth Bradford miscreants will be subjected to what is already known as the fingerprinted process. The old form of identification consisted of taking measurements, and a record of any marks on the person, together with photograph, but there were many defects in that system. The measurements were found to be unreliable and other methods employed were not altogether satisfactory. Often a great deal of valuable time was wasted in completing investigations regarding a prisoner's previous convictions, and the methods in which he carried out his work. The new system of establishing identity by means of a man's fingerprints appears to be a much more certain and satisfactory method, and from experiments which have recently been made at Scotland Yard it appears that there is no possibility of any mistake being made. Although new to Bradford, the system is by no means a recent invention, for it has for some time been adopted with very great success in other parts of the world. In China it has been used for many years with signal success, and in India it is likewise being utilised very extensively in all branches of the civil service and Police Department.