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History of the HAC Special Constabulary

The HAC was formed "to attend to the better encrease of the defence of this our Realme" and frequently provided aid to the Civil Power prior to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829.

Following a decision in 1919 to increase the strength of the Metropolitan Police Reserve Force, the Earl of Denbigh, who was then commanding the Honourable Artillery Company, invited past and present members of the Company to enroll as Special Constables.

A strong Detachment was formed which, following the outbreak of the Second World War, was integrated into G Division of the Metropolitan Police covering Shoreditch, and then later with Islington Division.

Today, the Detachment forms part of the City of London Police and is an Active Unit of the HAC. Its administrative base continues to be at Armoury House.

Officers serving in the Detachment, who include City and Metropolitan Police Special Constables, retain the Detachment's unique identity by wearing the HAC Regimental Titles, in addition to their Divisional identification.

All members of the HAC have available a wide range of social and sporting activities both in London and elsewhere, and facilities include complimentary membership of the Virgin Active Fitness Club adjacent to Armoury House