When constabulary duty's to be done.....

Following the union of the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, in 1611 the Privy Council of James I passed an act to suppress disorders in the city of Edinburgh. In August, following an instruction to the magistrates and council, constables were elected to serve throughout the burgh and in September of that year sixteen "Orders and Injunctions for Constables" were printed. These orders were mainly directed at keeping and preserving the King's Majesty`s peace, and the constables were given powers to enlist the support of neighbours to prevent disorder and to arrest suspected criminals.

Tonight I am dining with Ward VIII (Colinton) of The Society of High Constables of Edinburgh. Disorder may not be entirely prevented.