CLERK OF THE PEACE

The Clerk of the Peace was, for centuries, the only permanent official of the Court of Quarter Sessions and was the legal adviser for the Justices who drew up indictments and other formal documents, maintained the routine of the Court and had charge of its archives between sessions. This officer dating from 1398 in Somerset, was, until 1888 appointed by the Gustos Rotulorum and the appointment was recorded in the Exchequer. From 1888 until 1971 the office of Clerk of the Peace was held with that of Clerk of the Council. The Clerk was usually of legal training and may have practised as a private lawyer as well. He could appoint a deputy with the agreement of the Custos Rotulorum. Until 1853 his remuneration was by fees not salary, out of which he had to pay his staff. See The Clerks of the Counties 1360-1960, Sir E. Stephens (1961) for list of Clerks and deputies for Somerset. The Lieutenancy and Shrievalty material has been assigned to this series since they were probably handed to the Clerk of the Peace for keeping with the County Records.