In 1905 - what was the fine for urinating in public?

Civil Court Case, circa 1900

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History holds many forgotten laws.

 Over the years laws change, but some get left on the books, forgotten. When writing a historical novel, it is important to track down what is what. You need to know the law.

For example, in 2015 the town of Tabor, Alberta consolidated a group of old bylaws and added some new ones. The law now declares you can't spit, swear or scream in public. The fee for the first offense would cost $150 and a second offense could set you back $250. For spitting in public you'd pay a $75 fine.

In 1905 my grandfather Ross was the Magistrate in a small town in Nova Scotia. Like many places, the town had rules about public fighting, assembly, spitting and urination. (However prices for the offenses have gone way up.) My mother, who had heard the following story of a public urination incident from her father, repeated it often in her repertoire of family stories.

This is a photo of the actual hotel and this is the story. 

Like many small towns, the local hotel had a bar. One evening a gentlemen I will call Mr. Smith was enjoying beverages at said bar. Beer affected him the same it does most of us, and later in the evening he went outside. Deciding the outhouse was too far away, he picked a shaded spot beside the building's wall and relieved himself.  

Unfortunately for him, the two spinster sisters in town were returning home from a prayer meeting. They witnessed his indiscretion and reported him. In due course, Mr. Smith came before the Court and pleaded guilty. My grandfather had searched his law books and town by-laws and fined Mr. Smith a nickle for public urination. Mr. Smith marched over to the Clerk of the Court and slapped down a quarter. Turning on his heel he stomped toward the back of the court.

The Clerk called after him.. "Mr. Smith, don't you want your change?"

With one hand on the swinging door, Mr. Smith turned to glare at the court and bellowed his response. "Keep it. I farted too." 

Squires in the Age of Chivalry by Rosemary Morris

 

To learn more about Rosemary's books please click on the cover above.

My novel, Grace, Lady of Cassio, The Lovages of Cassio, Book Two, sequel to Yvonne, Lady of Cassio, begins in the reign of Edward III. It will be published in October 2021.

At heart I am a historian. My novels are rich in historical detail which requires intensive research, some of which I am sharing in this blog.

At fourteen a page* became a squire and trained to fight with a lance and sword, to be adept at horsemanship, hunting and hawking. and master the complicated rules that governed heraldry and jousts. A squire accompanied his lord to war, armed him before a joust or battle and led his horse into battle. In earlier medieval eras he held the reins while war was fought on foot. It was a dangerous occupation in which and many squires were injured or killed.

Squires also studied the seven ‘liberal arts’ Grammar. Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy and Music so they would be well educated as well as accomplished warriors.

At meals retainers brought fowl and meat to the squires to be carved. Even the king’s sons were required to perform this service as part of their education to become knights. In addition, he served his master to his master on bended knee and in the king’s household tasted food to make sure it was not poisoned.

A squire of the bedchamber fetched whatever his lord required and was available to convey messages. In the afternoon and evening he served in the private apartment and entertained people by talking, singing or strumming a musical instrument. He played chess or backgammon indoors. Outdoors he took a minor part in various pastimes, for example such flying hawks and hunting.

When he completed his education, he became eligible to become a knight.

 Knights and a squire at the Malbork Castle, a historical re-enactment

 

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

 

http://bookswelove.net/authors/morris-rosemary