One of the most interesting of these, I believe, was established by the Saxon Edgar or Alfred--it matters not which; they were only a century or two apart, and that space is but a trifling circumstance in the history of this old country.

One of these kings appointed an officer called a "wakeman" for the town.

He must originally have been a kind of secular beadle of the community, or a curfew constable, to see the whole population well a-bed in good season.
One of his duties consisted in blowing a horn every night at nine o'clock as a signal to turn in.

But a remarkable consideration was attached to faithful compliance with this summons.

If any house or shop was robbed before sunrise, a tax was levied upon every inhabitant, of 4d.