[A] book that chronicles the policing career of Britain’s first black officer has been launched.
Ray Greenhow, the author of a new book on the career of John Kent, has discovered that Kent had a longer career than previously recorded.
Previously it was recorded that that Kent served as an officer from 1837-1844. Through extensive research Ray was able to extend Kent’s career from 1835 to 1846 where he served communities of Maryport and Longtown in addition to his time in Carlisle.
Ray, an ex-police officer and now a civilian staff member, spent a year researching Kent and his career for this book titled Britain’s First Black Policeman, The Life of John Kent A Police Officer in Cumberland 1835 – 1846.
The book will be discussed at the upcoming Words By The Water Festival. Ray will be speaking at 10.45am in Monday 12th March at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.
Ray Greenhow said: “John Kent is officially recorded as Britain’s first black police officer and therefore is a significant person in the history of UK policing.
“He was the son of a freed slave who built a career keeping Cumbrian communities safe. The book details a number of significant serious crimes in which Kent investigated and also a number of fires and public health events police attended.
“The incidents he was involved in offers great insight into the social history of the county and in particular the Carlisle area.”
To book tickets to Ray’s talk please visit www.theatrebythelake.com/production/17050. Books can be ordered from www.bookscumbria.com or at Bookcase on Castle Street, Carlisle.
