Riding officer

<p>Riding Officer was an occupation common during the 18th century around the coastlines of <a href="/facts/Kingdom_of_Great_Britain/5yBEtQIt">Britain</a>. The principal duty of the office was to patrol the coast within their predefined <a href="/facts/Mounted_police/027DfJYG">riding</a> range to suppress smuggling. Their duties included meeting and corresponding with the other riding officers either in person or by letter, and inquiring and learning if there were any smuggled goods upon the coast, or landed. They were to get the best information regarding this <a href="/facts/Treasure/J5xggdKg">booty</a>, and to acquaint the Officers of the Customs all over the <a href="/facts/Shire/ftcvC9ub">shire</a>. The Riding Officer always kept a journal reporting all his activities.
</p><p>A Riding Officer was paid between twenty and forty pounds a year, and was forbidden to take fees or gratuities. He was also expected to buy, care for, and accommodate his own horse. He was appointed by a constitution of the <a href="/facts/HM_Treasury/zdrtLRQT">Treasury</a>, and had a deputation from the <a href="/facts/HM_Customs_and_Excise/rlL6WflD">Commissioner of Customs and Excise</a>. He took the oaths of office, and gave bond and security. He received printed instructions for his conduct with his deputation. He endeavored to get information as to any illicit practices, and makes seizures whenever he could.
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Riding officer