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Sentinels of the Wear
The River Wear Watch
A History of Sunderland's River Police and Fireboats
By Neil W. Mearns
About this Book: On the north east coast of England stands the historic seaport of Sunderland, through the midst of which flows the River Wear into the North Sea. It was this river upon which the growth and prosperity of the town for so long depended, the first authentic evidence of Sunderland as a place of maritime commerce being contained in a Charter granted by Bishop Pudsey to 'Weremouth' in 1154 ... (Click for more)
Storylines: "Sentinels of the Wear" will appeal to a wide range of interests. In particular, it will fascinate those who wish to learn more about Maritime, Police, Firefighting and Local North East History. In fact, it's a good read just out of General Interest and useful for the Family Historian reseaching ancestors who served with the River Police at Sunderland ................ (Click for more)
Reviews: "Sentinels of the Wear" was given great acclaim by reviewers in the press. This is what some of them said:
"..... thoroughly researched ..... a genuine history ..... some really cracking tales ..... beautifully produced ..... to be heartily recommended."
[Sunderland Echo] .... (Click for more)
Roll of Honour: A memorial to the men of the River Wear Watch who lost their lives in the furtherance of duty .............. (Click for more)
Unpublished Photographs: Since "Sentinels of the Wear" was first published, some additional pictures have come to light .............. (Click for more)
Sunderland's River Policemen Artists: Two River Police Constables named John Fannen and John Middleton, who joined the Watch during the 1880's, became accomplished maritime artists .......... (Click for more)
J. Fannen J. Middleton
Guardians of the Tyne: A History of the River Tyne Police, the Tyne Improvement Commission Docks & Piers Police Service and theTyne Fireboats. This book is currently under preparation ................. (Click for more)
Links: A number of useful links have been added to this site and will be expanded in due course .......................
Some Photographs from the Book
(reduced size)
Fireboat, Fire Queen (1874)
River Wear Watch Personnel (1870's)
Fireboat, Fire King (1906)
Fire on board S.S. Ella Sayer (1907)
Fireboat, Fire Queen (1911)
Recipients of Kings Police Medal (1920)
Motor Launch, Patrol (1959)
Floating Station, Pikes' No. 10 (1959)
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If you have any other comment or enquiry (perhaps a family history query), please click below to e-mail the author.
The origin of the 'Foul Anchor' as an emblem and insignia, not only for the Watch, but for many other harbour, river and port police forces, is steeped in naval tradition and can be traced back to the early 15th Century. A foul anchor occurs when its own rope becomes entangled with itself, something to be avoided at all costs and therefore commonly known as "the sailor's disgrace." It is first recorded in use in the seal of the Lord High Admiral of Scotland in 1402 and, by 1600, in that of the Lord Admiral of England, Lord Howard of Effingham who held this position during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Many variations of this device have been seen over the centuries but that adopted by the Watch is most common.
Web Site Design by Neil W. Mearns
Last Updated: 18th March, 2003
(This Home Page has been completely re-designed. The remainder of the pages within the site are also to be modified.)
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Visitors since 18.03.2003
Special Internet Price of only £9.99 (RRP £13.50) + £4.74 Postage & Packing.
ISBN 0 9533377 0 7
A4 Format
Softback
236 Pages
88 Photographs
3 Maps
Foreword by Mr. David Mellish, OBE, QPM, former Acting Chief Constable of Northumbria Police
Professionally Printed by Studio Print of Guisborough, North Yorkshire
If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, please complete the following details. On receipt, I will reply by e-mail showing the address to which payment should be made & overseas postage (if applicable).
Payment should be made by cheque drawn on a U.K. Bank (made payable to N. W. Mearns) or in the case of overseas purchasers, I can accept U.K. currency in notes at my own risk.
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