Casgliadau Arlein

6 of these staffs were made and given by D. Bowen Esq of Waunifor to 6 Special Constables from the neighbourhood of Waunifor & Llanfihangel a'r Arth, who were sworn in in the name of the Queen to defend the turnpike gate of Llanfihangel a'r Arth in the year 1839. The name of the owner of this staff was William Davies of Cwneinon, Parish of Llanwenog. (from Museum notes written pre 1912)

The painting and decorating of a truncheon was more than just ornamentation - by having a royal crown or coat of arms, it showed that the constable was acting with the authority of the Crown.

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.

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.

The tollgate at Llanfihangel a'r Arth was one of the main targets of attack of Rebecca rioters in June 1843. Was this staff issued as a direct result of the initial protests of 1839, although the focus of action was elsewhere at that point? Was it used during the events of 1843?

Constable's wooden truncheon. Painted dark green with lettering in gold (V.R. 1). 2 holes for carrying strap (now missing).