Watch

The Watch was a body of Hobbits responsible for maintaining the peace in the Shire. Its embers wore caps with feathers to distinguish themselves.

It consisted of the Shirriffs, a police force of twelve hobbits (three in each Farthing) responsible for 'Internal Work', and the Bounders, a larger body that guarded the borders of the Shire. The head of the Watch was the First Shirriff, a post attached to that of the Mayor of Michel Delving.

During Saruman's occupation, the body was greatly increased by him and the Chief Shirriff.

See also

• Hobbitry-in-arms