Water Bailiff Tipstaff of George Quirk
Date made: 19th century
Description: Wooden tipstaff of George Quirk, Water Bailiff.
Fishermen during the herring season were under the control ofthe Water Bailiff when ashore. The ancient office of Water Bailiff existed from at least the fifteenth century until 1885. The Water Bailiff had many important duties beyond the supervision of fishermen. He controlled the activities of merchants, kept an imports inventory, dealt with wrecks, arrested debtors and collected customs for the Lord of the Isle. He was the sole judge in the Admiralty Court of the Island.
Measurements: overall: 15 x 4 x 4 cm
Materials: wood
Object name: truncheon
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1954-4751