Merioneth Constabulary Records

Records of Merioneth Constabulary, 1858-1959, including Police Constables' journals, 1861-1939; cell books, 1885-1959; general order books, 1880-1941; Petty Sessional registers, 1858-1943; occurrence books, 1883-1954; court registers, 1903-1945; registers of charges, 1875-1951; letter books, 1871-1921; crime books, 1924-1941; Chief Constable's records, 1870-1949; pay books, 1933-1948; and photographs, 1919-1933.

The Merioneth Constabulary (or Merionethshire Constabulary) was formed in c.1857, to replace the existing parish constables in enforcing the law. The Constabulary was arranged into divisions, including Aberdovey, Bala, Barmouth, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Corris, Corwen, Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau, Dyffryn, Harlech, Llwyngwrill, Maentwrog, Pennal, Penrhyndeudraeth, Towyn and Trawsfynydd. Divisions maintained records including crime registers, summons books, registers of charges, accident books and visits books. In 1950, the Anglesey, Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire police forces were amalgamated under the Police Act 1946 to form the Gwynedd Constabulary.

Arranged into divisions: Aberdovey; Abergynclwyn; Bala; Barmouth; Blaenau Ffestiniog; Corris; Corwen; Dinas Mawddwy; Dolgellau; Dyffryn; Maentwrog; Pennal; Penrhyndeudraeth; Towyn; Trawsfynydd; Merioneth Constabulary (Miscellaneous); Harlech; Llwyngwril

Records less than 50 years old cannot be consulted without the permission of the depositors.

Compiled by Richard Burman for the ANW project. The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: Archifdy Meirionnydd Archives, Merioneth Constabulary Records, catalogue; UK Police History, (http://www.police999.com/history/ourpolice01.html), viewed 20 October 2004.

Hard copies of the catalogue are available in Meirionnydd Archives, the National Library of Wales and the National Register of Archives.

Usual copyright regulations apply.

All records deposited at Meirionnydd Archives have been retained.

Accruals are not expected