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Law and Order in Enlightenment Edinburgh |
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Guardhouse, High Street, Edinburgh
© Scran |
However with many Scots settling for a far more positive outlook on the world, beginning the enlightenment which would form many of the founding principles underpinning the free world today, there was a movement amongst the ruling classes to establish a semblance of order in the major cities, in order that Scotland could thrive and prosper in the future. For the first time ordinary citizens would be recruited and employed to uphold the law.
Pressure from the Government in London to calm unrest in Edinburgh's streets also played a part in the establishment of the city's first regular and organised law officers. The High Constables of Edinburgh played a major role in the creation and recruitment of the new force, known as the Town Guard. As the city's main civic representatives, the Constables collected levies from more affluent citizens, as payment towards street cleaning and other municipal activities. Government permission was granted to use levied funds to attract professional soldiers to form the new force in 1682.
However with many soldiers in active service on behalf of the Government, readying themselves for future battles against the forces of Prince Charles and his followers, it was difficult to recruit individuals who would be up to the job. As a result, the bulk of the force was formed by ageing soldiers from the Highlands - whose more rural upbringing provided little preparation for the frequent and sportsmanlike pursuit of rabble-rousing which was prevalent at that time. A band of 120 officers, split into three companies, was soon assembled. Overall control was bestowed on the Lord Provost, who retained the right to increase the force to a maximum of 300 men when required.
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