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Ebenezer Iremonger
One of the key figures in the early years of policing in Maidenhead, Ebenezer was highly respected by all for the zeal and fairness with which he carried out his duties.
The modern police service came into being in 1829, but it was not until 1836 that Maidenhead formed its' own constabulary. An early superintendent was Ebenezer Iremonger, who held the post for nearly forty years.
Ebenezer had a distinguished army career in India, serving in the Royal Dragoons. At the time, many retired soldiers lived in poverty, having been injured or reduced to poor health while serving. Ebenezer fought long battles with the War Office to claim their medals and lost pay from the Government.
After the army, he trained with the Metropolitan Police and did a short spell at Clewer before coming to Maidenhead. At first he had temporary accommodation in a Park Street lock-up, but the police station in the Broadway was purpose built for the new constabulary and Ebenezer moved in there with his wife Emily, and was always on call.
Maidenhead only had a population of 5000 when Ebenezer took up his duties, so he was able to keep a check on all that was going on in the town. His constables were paid a bounty of 2s 6d (30p) for every vagrant they apprehended.
Ebenezer was respected by all Maidonians. He was noted for his fervour in catching miscreants and his fairness in dealing with them. He was a kind-hearted man – just before he died he was called before the Board of Guardians of the workhouse, and reprimanded for taking a frail, homeless woman there and giving them the cost of keeping her.
Ebenezer was still on duty when he died, aged almost 70, on the morning of 12th January 1891, of an attack of bronchitis. The town went into mourning, and on the afternoon of his funeral the shopkeepers put up their shutters as a mark of respect. Police from many neighbouring forces formed a guard-of-honour and the procession from the Broadway, which included representatives from the fire brigade, local farmers and businessmen, brought the town to a standstill. There were over 2000 mourners for the funeral at All Saints Church, Boyn Hill.
http://www.royalmaidenhead.co.uk/#/maidenhead-police/4537548457
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