An early illustration of a city night watchmen in the days before a police force was introduced in Britain. Armed only with a lantern and a cudgel it was a job generally held by the older men, who would cry out when seeing a criminal act take place, rather than tackle the criminal. The HUE AND CRY system compelling all citizens to assist in such situations began with the Statute of Winchester of 1285 Another job of the Night Watchman was to call out the time at every hour during the night and at the same time to assure everyone in hearing distance with the call 'ALL IS WELL' .

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Size: 3318px × 5906px
Photo credit: © Colin Waters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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