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THE SWANSEA POLICE HALBERDIERS

1602 To Present

The duty of constables to carry Halberds on official occasions within the Borough of Swansea dates back many centuries. This historical account of the Swansea Police Halberdiers explains, how a medieval custom was passed down over the centuries, and eventually became a unique duty in the policing of Swansea. The article describes a 'Halberd', how it was made, and what it was made for. It also sets out how constables were trained and the duties they performed whilst acting as Halberdiers.

The Police Halberd

The 'Halberd' was a weapon of war which came into prominence during the 14th and 15th Century, and was also known as the 'Medieval Polearm'

The name 'Halberd' possibly came from the German words —- 'Halm' (staff) and 'Barte' (axe). There were several different types made by blacksmiths from iron and steel, they were inexpensive to make and versatile in battle. Halberds were pole mounted weapons which consisted of three distinct parts:

1) A pointed end for thrusting

2) An axe head for slicing

3) A hook for penetrating and grasping the enemy.

The spear point, amongst its many uses, could be used to keep a person armed with a sword/knife at a distance. The hook was used to penetrate and grasp a mounted knight so pulling him off his horse to the ground, the razor-sharp blade was then used to slice open the armour and kill the enemy. (It was the fatal slicing capability that was responsible for the death of Richard Ill at the Battle of Bosworth). The pole which bore the axe head varied from 5 to 14 feet in length, and a good wielder of a Halberd with agility, accuracy and strength was a deadly foe. This weapon was carried by European infantry units from the 16th Century right through to the 18th century, and carried by the British Army Sergeants until 1793. It was also used as a Court Bodyguard Weapon for centuries and remains the ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican in Rome to this present day.

The picture above shows the original Swansea PEELERS before the formation of the Swansea Borough Police. In this picture the officers can been seen to be holding Halberds that date to 1870, however these Halberds are now owned by private collectors. The current twelve Halberds carried by South Wales Police are actual weapons of war. They are seven feet long, six are dated - 1760, 1771, 1773, 1777 and 1780. The remaining six are undated and believed to be circa 15th Century.

The Halberds are to be seen on display in the Guildhall, Swansea.

Training

Between the 15th Century and 18th Century the Halberdiers were ex-infantry soldiers and many if not all were already trained. However, the Swansea Borough Police Halberdiers were trained by police sergeants who had previously served in HM Armed Forces and the constables chosen to carry out the duties of Halberdiers were also ex-service personnel. Being cumbersome weapons of war they were not suitable for any form of intricate ceremonial drill movements. Whilst marching, the Halberd was balanced over the right shoulder and held by both hands. Upon command to 'halt' the Halberd was brought down off the hands and held in an upright position close to the right-hand side of the body. On ceremonial duties, the Halberdiers would form two rows of 4 or 6, the judges, clergy and dignitaries would then walk between the two rows through the streets and into church. In 1980 the responsibility for the Halberdiers was passed to the community services department of Cockett Police Station where they were trained by Inspector Glynne James (ex armed forces) and Police Sergeant Malcolm Lewis. Both officers being veteran Halberdiers. Having looked at the definition of a 'Halberd' and its primary purpose, the question that now arises in ones mind is this:- How did a deadly medieval weapon of war become a ceremonial symbol carried by the Constables of Swansea from 1602 until 1990? The answer to this begins in the middle ages when Swansea or 'Swensey' as it was then known was a cluster of small dwellings, inns, shops and slaughter houses grouped for protection under the walls of the old castle. The three main streets being— Wind Street, St Mary's Street and Fisher Street. The town was governed by a 'Portreeve', Port meaning 'Market town' or 'walled town' 'Reeve* meaning high ranking official. The Portreeve had political, Administrative and Fiscal authority and was assisted by twelve Senior Aldermen who were co-opted officers, also known as Burgesses. In order to enforce the laws and maintain the Kings Peace the burgesses nominate constables from amongst their number. One of the duties of these newly elected constables was to protect the Portreeve and his officials as they walked around the town carrying out their duties. In order to do this, Halberdiers were appointed from amongst the constables, and they formed a protective barrier around the officials. This duty commenced around 1602 and continued through until 1834. By this time the population of Swansea had grown so dramatically that a decision was made to hold a spring assizes in Swansea each year as well as in Cardiff. As a direct result of this, twenty-four men were chosen and appointed as 'Special Constables' to act as Halberdiers to escort the judges to the assize courts at Swansea. In 1835 the Swansea Borough Police was formed, and eventually it became the duty of this newly formed police force to carry out the duties of the Halberdiers. Between 1835 and 1990 the Swansea Police Halberdiers were a common sight on the streets of Swansea on ceremonial occasions and accompanying the assize court judges to the relevant services at St Mary's Church. The assize courts were eventually replaced by Crown Courts and that particular duty ceased. However, they continued to be used upon special and ceremonial occasions in Swansea and also at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. One of the last major ceremonial occasions was at a special parade through Swansea city centre to celebrate 150 years of policing in Swansea on Sunday 6th April 1986. This ceremonial duty’s finally ceased with the last Halberdiers parades in 1990 and 2000, however it can be re-introduced at any time by the South Wales Police at Swansea.

The Future In 2018 Chief Superintendent Martin JONES has re-instated the Halberdiers and the unit was reformed for the South Wales Police Force awards and subsequent remembrance services in November 2018.

The Halberdiers have been brought into the 21st Century with a modern look, whilst reverting to the original military style drill movements and Halberdier drill used by the Swiss guard.

The current line up sees female officers for the first time parade carrying Halberds.

The current officers are Lead Halberdiers PC Simon SHAUGHNESSY and PC Philip BARROW with Halberdiers PS Claire LLOYD, PC Melanie BOWDEN, PC Adrian HUGHES, PC Kurt JONES, PS Christian REYNOLDS, PC Rebecca WILLIAMS, PC Gary LLOYD PS Martin FOX and PC Richie DAVIES. The Halberds have been loving brought back to life by PC Richard THOMAS.