Name/Title
Photograph of PC Henry Poole Eastbourne Borough Police Downs Ranger c1950Entry/Object ID
2205Description
Black and white photograph of PC Henry Poole of Eastbourne Borough Police on his horse "Princess Patricia" c1950Context
In 1929 Eastbourne Borough Council took ownership of a large area of downland around Beachy Head, in order to prevent development. To police this area the unique post of Downs Ranger was created, a full time mounted officer of Eastbourne Borough Police based at a stable at Beachy Head.The officers in this role and their horses became famous with tourists. The officer pictured is PC Henry Poole ,who was the first Downs Ranger, serving in the role from 1929 until 1953. Prior to joining Eastbourne Borough Police he had served in the Life Guards Regiment of the Household Cavalry. Henry retired in 1953 and was replaced by PC Harry Ward who served as Downs Ranger until 1966. He was awarded the MBE in 1964 at a special presentation at Beachy Head. The last Downs Ranger was PC Jack Williams from 1966 until 1974,. Though the role survived the 1968 police amalgamation, the position was discontinued in 1974 and Jack went to join the Sussex Constabulary mounted unit based at Brighton.
The horses used by the Downs Rangers became as well known as the Rangers themselves, with Jumbo, Princess Pat, Mark and Tommy, being familiar names to tourists and locals alike.
Apart from patrolling the Downs, the Rangers also took the lead in cliff top rescues and used purpose made winching equipment stored at the Beachy Head stables. It was only after the role was ended that the Coast Guard and more recently the Fire and Rescue Service took the lead in rescues at Beachy Head.