Casgliadau Arlein

This truncheon is a symbol of the exploitation and suppression of the rural poor by the landed gentry and a focus of protests for fairer policy towards the levying of tolls.

It was said to have been used in quellingl the Rebecca Riots in Carmarthenshire. It bears the Royal Arms of George III. His reign ended in 1820, however, when the circumstances of the riots are considered it is still possible that the truncheon was used against Rebecca and her daughters between 1839 and 1844.

The West Wales authorities found themselves helpless against these attacks and requested help from the Government - who only sent two metropolitan policemen from London in 1843. In desperation, the Magistrates of West Wales tried to swear in trustworthy farmers as special constables to help them keep law and order. Although many of the farmers received threatening letters from Rebecca and were even attacked to try to deter them, some must have taken up the challenge. It is possible that in their haste, there was no time to have truncheons made and that old issue ones had to be used. This would explain why the truncheon seems to pre-date the riots. In addition, the truncheon is marked with the word: LLANGENDEYRN. It is known that Rebecca attacked targets in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire on 4 February 1843 - close to the village of Llangendeyrn and returned again to that area in late summer 1843.

Constable's truncheon, painted dark blue. Painted on top in gold and red are Royal arms and Royal cypher of George III. With prince's cap on shield of regiment. LLANGENDEIRN in gold lettering (v. faded) below royal crest; 2 holes at neck for carrying strap (missing)