Foster Hill Road Cemetery has its share of policemen and Chief Constables, a Prison Governor, criminals, murderers and their victims. Bob Ricketts will explore the history of the Bedford and Bedfordshire police forces and policemen, including Bedford’s early Chief Constables – William Coombs ; Richard Stennett , remembered for the ‘Battle of St. Peter’s Green’; Harry Thody  who captured the Bedford ‘train-wrecker’ Samuel Tomlinson in 1898. Three County Chief Constables – Captain Edward Boultbee , former East India Company captain who served as Chief Constable until 1871, investigating Sarah Dazeley’s murder of two of her husbands by poisoning; Major Ashton Warner ; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Frank Augustus Stevens, shot by his beater, who was also a Police Constable! Bedford’s reforming prison governor, Robert Evan Roberts – the pioneer of criminal ‘mugshots’. The infamous ‘Tennis Court Murder’ and suicide – and much more.

Bob will share the stories and following the talk there will be a guided walk through the cemetery to identify the key graves.

The event  free but a small contribution to the Friends would be welcome.

Tea and home made cakes will be available at the end of the walk for a small charge.

Please note:  The cemetery ground is uneven, so wear sensible shoes.  When viewing memorials, please do not lean on them.