keeper of the peace

The Oxford Companion to Irish History | 2007 | 615 words | Copyright

keeper of the peace (custos pacis), the officer appointed in Irish counties from the early 14th century to assist the sheriff to maintain order and provide defence. There were several in each county, chosen from the leading gentry families; an earl or other magnate might head the commission. Their duties included regular musters and inspection of horses and weapons, and they had authority to negotiate and make truces with the Irish. From c.1400 they were sometimes known as justices of the peace, and performed some of the judicial duties of English JPs, but their main function remained military.

Robin Frame

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