Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837. Originally published by University of London, London, 2006.
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'The household below stairs: Watchmen 1702-1837', in Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837, (London, 2006) pp. 592-595. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/office-holders/vol11/pp592-595 [accessed 19 April 2024]
In this section
Watchmen 1702–1837
Some watchmen below stairs appear to have been appointed by the lord steward; others by the clerks of the green cloth (or, after 1782, the clerks of the household) in rotation. As established in 1702, a single watchman at St. James's Palace made £27 7s 6d. In 1726 a further four watchmen were added at £20 per annum. By 1800 the watchman at St. James's made £45 7s 6d. The watchman at Kensington was established by 1761 at £18 per annum. A watchman at the Queen's House appeared 1781–1812. 1812 saw the establishment of a house watchman and an outdoor watchman at Carlton House at £55 per annum apiece; a house watchman at Kew; and one at Brighton. In 1820 the watchman at Buckingham House was established at £118, the assistant watchman £36 10s. In 1830 two subordinate outdoor watchmen at Buckingham House were added at £55 apiece, but the watchman at Buckingham House fell to £80; in 1834 he was further reduced to £70 per annum. In 1830 the assistant watchman fell to £36 10s. The watchman of the Pavilion at Brighton made £76 per annum until 1830, when he was reduced to £60. (fn. 1)
Watchman at St. James's c. 1702–1837
| 1702 | 1 July | Campion, J. |
| By 1710 | Whiteoff, J. | |
| 1717 | 30 May | Whiteoff, J. |
| 1725 | 1 July | Holden, J. |
| 1740 | 1 July | Parratt, C. |
| 1787 | 13 Mar. | Blenman, W. |
| 1800 | 6 Feb. | Jupp, W. |