Law and order

Law and order or disorder in 19th Century Chinnor

A review of local newspaper and court reports indicated that during the nineteeth century the majority of convictions were for poaching or stealing food.  Between 1834 - 1852 there were 17 conviction for trespass of game including in 1834 Richard Seymour. Other items of theft included fruit and vegetables.  Also in 1840 John King was convicted of stealing apples, pears and walnuts and in 1839 William Seymour was convicted of stealing swedes and turnips, and again in 1844 for stealing barley.  In 1902 Chinnor residents, Bert and William Hopkins were convicted for trespassing for game on John North's land and Mrs Evans was convicted of stealing four wood faggots in 1922, and Sidney Hewitt for trespass in December 1912.

Many of the above were repeat offenders.  Undeterred by the lack of traffic and traffic regulations Chinnorites could still commit traffic violations.

According to the Reading Mercury 6th April 1895 Earnest Gomm of Chinnor was summoned for driving two horses and waggon without reins and was fined.  Henley and South Oxford Standard 13th November 1908.

In 1903 Henry Turner of Bledlow was summoned for not having reins to his horse and cart.  There was no one leading the defendant's horse but another horse and cart was tied behind him and another man was in it who was in charge of both horses and carts.  Although this had been the custom for many years one man being charge of two carts was illegal.  Bucks Herald 22nd August 1903