Peter Gate, an entrance to York Minster Close, built in 1285, (York Museums Trust)
In the heart of medieval York, amidst the bustling
streets and crowded markets, there existed a city within a city, a sanctuary of
ecclesiastical power known as the Liberty of St Peter. This enclave,
encompassing the grandeur of York Minster and its surrounding precinct,
operated under its own laws and governance, beyond the reach of the city's
mayor. Here, the church held sway, administering justice, housing its clergy,
and even carrying out executions within its own walls.
Established in 1106, the Liberty of St Peter was a
self-contained world, fortified by towering walls standing twelve feet high and
guarded by four imposing gates. Inside, a mix of grassy lawns and cobblestone
pathways cradled the Archbishop's Palace, the Dean's residence, and homes for
the Canons, Treasurer, and Precentor. St William's College, the domain of
chantry priests offering prayers for the deceased, added to the spirituality of
the site..
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But power requires enforcement, and within this ecclesiastical realm lay an institution now unique in its purpose and longevity: it appointed its own officers (including constables) quite separately from the rest of the city of York responsible for the policing of the liberty. Responsible for the area’s need for order and security, they stood as custodians of law and guardians of the cathedral's sanctity. York Minster boasted its own police force, (although it was not called that until 1855. It had its own laws, court, prison and even its own gallows for executions; Peter Prison, York Minster’s jail and gallows, stood outside the West Front, and was used until 1837.
In 1839, the Liberty of St
Peter, was dissolved. With its demise came the end of its unique constabulary,
leaving a void in security within the precinct of York Minster. It was during
this transition that Thomas Marshall emerged as the first recorded watchman,
patrolling the grounds until 1854.
The year 1855 marked a
pivotal moment in the annals of Minster history with the formal recognition of
the "Minster Police" title, signifying the inception of a new era in
law enforcement. William Gladin assumed the mantle, residing at 2 Precentor's
Court, adjacent to the Minster, as the custodian of order within its walls.
Over time, the ranks of the
Minster Police rose to now consists of ten officers, two wardens, and one
sergeant, shouldering the responsibility of safeguarding over 380 sets of keys,
guiding visitors, and ensuring the sanctity of the cathedral's treasures.
local territorial police force, North Yorkshire Police retains primacy of
policing throughout the county including York Minster, being responsible for
the investigation of all crime and leading on all major or serious incidents.
York Minster Police (York Minster)
In a momentous turn of events though in February 2017, the Minster Police regained powers of arrest after an 80-year hiatus, heralding a return to their historical mandate. A concerted effort to update their training and authority ensued, culminating in a ceremonious affirmation of their capabilities in the spring.
It was reported that the
restoration of powers followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding
between the Chapter of York and the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police.
This agreement delineated the roles of each force, affirming the Minster
Police's responsibility for security within the precinct while entrusting crime
investigation and prosecution to North Yorkshire Police.
As custodians of a long tradition, the Minster Police constabulary stands as a
testament to continuity in a changing world. They embody the enduring spirit of service, ensuring the
preservation of York Minster's legacy for generations to come.
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