Truncheon, used by Special Constable T Rudyerd Helpman during the riots in Trafalgar Square, 1887

Wooden truncheon, tapering towards the handle; mushroom shaped butt is impressed with the maker's name, Hebbert and Company, London; handle is shaped to fit the hand; the body is painted dark blue with the cypher of Queen Victoria, crown and garter.

On 13 November 1887 a demonstration organised by groups including the Irish National League and the Social Democratic Federation was held in central London. Marchers protesting about unemployment and British government policies in Ireland clashed with police and soldiers in Trafalgar Square. The violent altercation became known as 'Bloody Sunday'.

Robert Rudyerd-Helpman was serving as a captain in the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) when he was enrolled as a Special Constable in 1887.

Rudyerd-Helpman was promoted colonel with the 6th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), on 2 January 1904. He was appointed Colonel of 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) on 31 July 1909.