Mid to early 19th Century Somerset, a man on his way to the gallows was met and escorted by the Javelin Men. Possibly something to do with the Sheriff. Any ideas?
There is further information about the Javelin Men in this 1850 copy of the Hansard: https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1859/jul/27/committee-2 It mentions that The Bill proposed to abolish the javelin-men, or retainers of the Sheriff, who usually consisted of his cottagers or small tenants, by whom a suit of clothing or a small amount of money was regarded as an adequate remuneration for their attendance when required. Also: In Staffordshire, the javelin-men were employed fifty two days in the year at the assizes and sessions
