Watch

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The Watch was a body of Hobbits responsible for maintaining the peace in the Shire. Its members 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.[1]

During Saruman's occupation, the body was greatly increased by him and the Chief Shirriff. This expanded force was organized into companies, one of which was the First Eastfarthing Troop.[2]

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References