The Victorian Policeman: From a Beat ‘Bobby’ to Becoming the Royal Detective

This is the unique and personal story written by the great grandson of a former Victorian beat ‘Bobby’ who progressed through the ranks to eventually become the very first Royal Detective. James Wood, a former ‘sharp shooter’ in Queen Victoria’s mighty Army of the Empire, joined Manchester City Police force to become the youngest ever Superintendent in their history - and was also a highly acclaimed ‘thief taker, ’ something of a bounty-hunter. For many years around the turn of the century, he helped protect a number of prominent VIP’s and several visiting members of the Royal Family, in particular, the Prince and Princess of Wales, during a time of political unrest and specific threats against the Monarchy from ‘Dynamiters, Terrorists, Foreign Agents & Agitators.’ James was also involved in a host of other memorable events relating to the development of Manchester United, the daring and dramatic Daily Mail air race, and major social reforms. This book commemorates the 90th anniversary of his death and reveals his secret diary notes, news cuttings and personal photographs from a memorable time long forgotten.