The widespread system of preserving the peace by means of an organization of special peace officers, sometimes holding by hereditary serjeantry, which existed in certain parts of England and in Wales in medieval times, seems to have escaped the notice of the standard writers of constitutional history.

Preface.

Chapter I will contain an account of the serjeants of the peace in Cheshire and the organizations in this palatine county will be dealt with in some detail.

Outline.

It has recently been pointed out that an examination of the historical development, in all directions, of the office of justice of the peace is needed; and that among the special studies which, to that end, should be undertaken, would be one devoted to the systems adopted in the great palatines for the preservation of the peace.

Chapter I. The serjeants of the peace in Cheshire.