Kent (page 2)

Mereworth Parish constable's truncheon decorated with a crown over a cartouche containing the words 'MEREWORTH POLICE'. Mereworth (pronounced Merryworth) is a small village set in an agricultural landscape approximately 10 miles from Maidstone.

Rochester Examples such as this with carved crowns can generally be considered as rare. This example is interesting for the quality of both the carving and decoration. Whilst time has dulled its appearance this does not in my opinion detract from its rarity and beauty. It is decorated on the front with a green cartouche containing indistinct initials. Below this are the 1801-1816 royal arms. At the bottom is a curious set of arms in the form of a white 'M'. The reverse has an oval green plaque with the date 1802. At the bottom just above the handle can be found the arms for Rochester. Research by the College of Arms has shown the heraldry on the front to be 'made up' and does not represent any official arms recorded at the college. It is believed that they may represent the Parish of St. Margaret's Rochester. The Arms of Rochester City Council. The lion indicates that Rochester was originally a royal borough.

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