T T Earnshaw was born at Rochdale in 1870 and had 13 years’ experience in various policing roles in St Albans, Wakefield and Wigan, where he served as Chief Superintendent, before his appointment as Leamington Chief Constable in 1902.
From that year until his death in office in 1938, he was in charge of the Police, the Special Constabulary, the Fire Brigade and the Ambulance Service. At the time of his death following surgery at the Warneford Hospital, Earnshaw was thought to be the oldest Chief Constable in the country. In 1935, having completed over 45 years’ service, thirty-three of them spent as Chief Constable of Leamington, he was awarded the King’s Jubilee Medal. He was also one of the few police officers to hold the Coronation and Silver Jubilee Medals of both King George V and King George VI.
Chief Constable Earnshaw’s last act before becoming ill was to give evidence to a Ministry of Health Board of Enquiry into the application of the Corporation for a loan of £62,000 for the building of a new Police and Fire Brigade Headquarters on the site of Beech Lawn, Dr Jephson’s former home at the end of Warwick Street. The Second World War held up the development, but it went ahead post-war, and the Fire Brigade Headquarters can still be found on that site. (The Police Headquarters were relocated to Woodcote, Leek Wootton.)
Chief Constable Earnshaw was regarded as the ‘Father’ of the Borough Police Force, who commanded universal respect. He was a strict disciplinarian with a reputation for kindliness and understanding. It was said that the freedom of the town from serious crime was due in no small measure to the methods he employed. Alderman K R England JP, Chairman of the Watch Committee paid this tribute to him: “The Borough of Leamington has this week lost a faithful and efficient official, and a devoted citizen …. Thomas Taylor Earnshaw was an ideal police officer. His special ability for that work was proved by his early attaining a position of responsibility … He was a man of integrity, with a high sense of duty and honour. A strict disciplinarian, but withal of a kindly heart. Always the Chief Constable, but at the same time a Chief who felt a special responsibility and personal interest in his men. He knew them, every one, with their special abilities or failings and dealt with each on accordingly. His keen eye and alert brain, together with his ability as a reader of character, fitted him to deal with difficult people. Never afraid to reprimand or ‘read the riot act’ to a delinquent, he was always prepared with good practical advice when it could be given, and many have reason to be grateful to him for his kindly advice and practical help. He loved the town of his adoption; as its Chief Constable he served its citizens faithfully and efficiently. Today we are the poorer for his passing.” Leo Rawlinson, Clerk to the Magistrates commented that throughout his long period of service, he acted without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
He was survived by his wife Sarah and three daughters, two of whom were married. His funeral was held at All Saints Parish Church where six police constables acted as pallbearers.
Funeral of TT Earnshaw at All Saints Parish Church
Postscript: The Leamington Courier in December 1905 reported that Chief Constable Earnshaw had been summoned before the Magistrates, for allowing the Police Station chimney to catch fire and burn for 45 minutes. The incident followed a police target-shooting handicap in the police recreation room, after which the targets were thrown on the fire. The Chief Constable pleaded guilty and was fined 4s 6d.
T G Gardner, April 2024
Sources: WPLHS Archive; Leamington Courier (BNA Online)
Post Script
2025 will mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Leamington Spa Police Force. Watch this space for news of the celebrations.