Memories of a Resident Magistrate: 1880-1920

The beautifully written and fascinating memoir of Charles Paston Crane (1857 – 1939), police officer, army officer and magistrate, who spent the best part of his life in Ireland.

An Oxford-educated Englishman, Crane joined the Royal Irish Constabulary as an officer cadet in 1879. After completing his training at Phoenix Park in Dublin, he was posted to Dingle, and later Listowel and Killarney in County Kerry. In 1889 he was transferred to Donegal and then to the Waterford and South-Eastern division. In 1894 he returned to Phoenix Park. From 1895 to 1897 he was Private Secretary to the R.I.C. Inspector General at Dublin Castle.

The period of time during which Crane served in the Royal Irish Constabulary was one of turmoil and trouble for the force. He began his career at the outset of the Land League days. Adverse conditions prevailed in much of Ireland throughout his service, including the Land War and the Plan of Campaign. Members of the R.I.C. faced ongoing boycotting and other hostilities.

In 1897 Crane was appointed to the office of Resident Magistrate and posted to Donegal. From 1900-1901 he left Ireland to serve with distinction in the South African War. When he returned he resumed magistrate’s duty, serving in Sligo and then Tralee and Killarney in County Kerry. At the outset of the Great War in 1914, he re-joined the military and left Ireland again. The Ireland he returned to in 1918 was much changed. Anti-British hostility was greatly increased.

The years 1918 to 1920 were times of great lawlessness and disorder in Ireland. Murders and outrages were frequent. In particular, many policemen were killed. Crane experienced a very changed Ireland with a greatly weakened British administration. In 1920, with the situation in Ireland becoming increasingly dangerous, he left Killarney, moving to London.

Crane developed a great love for Ireland during his many years spent in the country, which remained with him all his life. He valued the friendships, hospitality and kindness of Irish people and liked the Irish characters, wit and cunning. He was interested in Irish customs, folklore and history. Most of all he loved outdoor pursuits. During his time in Killarney in 1907 he wrote and published a well-received Little Guide to Kerry. His Memories of a Resident Magistrate was first published in 1938. This special edition is published by Lewisham Press, 2020.

£6.99