Secrets of the Royal Detective - Victorian & Edwardian policing 1825-1914

Victorian & Edwardian policing 1825-1914: This is a the unique story of Manchester's first ever Royal Detective, James wood, who was a former sharpshooter in Queen Victoria's mighty Army of the Empire, who gradually progressed through the ranks and later joined the newly formed Manchester City Police Force.
James became the youngest ever Superintendent of police and was described a highly talented 'thief taker,' today's equivalent of a bounty hunter, earning commission for successful prosecutions. For many years around the turn of the century, he helped protect a number of visiting VIPs and civic dignatories from potential attack from political activitists, and known terrorism groups of the day. Many were described as 'foreign agents & agitators,' and ensured that James had to be armed and ready for any contingency. He was in fact an armed Royal protection officer.
James wood was also involved with and helped to organise a host of memorable events in this fast developing city over three decades, including, the first Daily Mail Air Race, the moving of Manchester United from Newton Heath to Old Trafford and other major social reforms. He also dealt with explosions, murders, robberies, thefts, and scandals of the day. The book was compiled by the author, Don Hale,who is the great grandson of the senior policeman, from secret diaries, notes, cuttings, and personal memorabilia.