Following research I am doing on the Plews Brewery of Bedale and Leeming Bar it has come to my attention that the founder Henry Plews, or his son, also Henry Plews, became Chief Constable of probably the Wapentake of Hang East. The exact text is as follows
Page 487 states
“Old Henry Plews then took the Rand,
He had to Bedale come,
Chief Constable, and wanted land,
And Brewer, he was one”
The notes attached to this verse state as follows; Mr Plews commenced brewing in Aiskew, and was made Chief Constable, after the death of Mr Pickering of Crakehall. From a small beginning, and the length of forty year, successfully carried on as a common brewer. Perhaps Mr Henry Plews of Bedale can vie, for extent of business in ale, porter and malting, with any of the like concern in the North Riding. 1838, the heavy and most laborious work is done by steam. The boiler holds 16 gallons, and one cooler holds 792 gallons, besides which in use is another three - (My original thought was that Henry Plews commenced brewing brewing in Bedale but Hird now throws a spanner in the works on that theory!)
Would appreciate any info on how to trace any records on Chief Constables and also what their duties were/would be.
Should anyone have any info on Plews Brewery or Plews family I would welcome that also.