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Map of the Parish of Halifax, showing the townships, church and chapels
(Sowerby Probate Records, Hebden Bridge Local History Society)
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Each township had a Constable, serving for one year.
Peter Crabtree, in his book ‘Crabtree – Dweller by the Wild Apple Tree’ writes that:
‘The constable was responsible for the maintenance of law and order, for apprehending those suspected of crimes, and for bringing them before the manor or assize court for trial. The position, which was unpaid, was filled on a rotation basis and confirmed by the manor court. Fulfilling the office of township constable was one of the obligations of service of both bond and free tenant.'
There are four Hileys listed in the records of the Constables for the township of Sowerby. The details below are taken from 'The Sowerby Constables', a lecture by Mr H P Kendall in 1906. A catalogue of the names of all the Constables is given by Mr Kendall, starting at the beginning of the reign of King Henry the Eighth in 1509. Years are given as the number of years since the start of a monarch's reign.
The table gives the name of the Hiley Constable, the name of the monarch at the time, the number of years since the start of that monarch's reign, and thus the year in which the Hiley Constable served.
Name In the reign of Start of reign Years since start of reign Year
Gilbert Hyleley Henry VIII 1509 23 1532
Michaell Hileley Elizabeth I 1558 21 1579
Edward Hileley Elizabeth I 1558 29 1587
Henry Hilley Charles II 1660 18 1678
The next Blogpost will give some brief details of Henry Hilley's year as Constable.
The next Blogpost will give some brief details of Henry Hilley's year as Constable.
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