OLD DEVONPORT . UK
www.olddevonport.uk
 

ROYAL DOCKYARD  |  POLICING THE ROYAL DOCKYARD

PORTERS, ROUNDERS, WARDERS AND WATCHMEN

When the Royal Dockyard was created the security of the site was under the control of the Head Porter, who lived in a lodge at the main entrance, and a number of Porters, Rounders, Warders and Watchmen.  He held the key of the King's Gate and issued the night's password. 

Warders issued the keys for a group of particular buildings and then patrolled the outside of them during the day, before locking the doors and returning the keys to the Head Porter at the end of the working day.  They only worked from a half hour before the working day started until half hour after it ended. 

Rounders were basically messengers taking security orders to the various Warders and Watchmen around the Yard but they also patrolled and were supposed to keep the others on their toes.  During the night they called out the time based on the striking of a bell at the main gate every half-hour.  They worked the full 24 hours on a shift system.  Watchmen worked nights on a one in four basis and some times worked for a full 24 hours with only one break between the two 12-hour periods.  They were equipped with a staff, a lantern and a rattle to sound the alarm.

From time to time the country was at War, particularly with the French, and during those periods a Military Guard was also provided at the Royal Dockyard.