Ward Beadle in civic costume, holding a staff, at a Wardmote Inquest altar Also showing JW Wilson's tobacconists

Also showing JW Wilson's tobacconists on the corner of Red Cross Street

The surrounding area is fairly rural

A book lies open on a stand beside him

figures and barrels in the Belle Sauvage Yard

Brixton Prison was opened in 1820

Ward Beadle in civic costume, holding a staff, at a Wardmote Inquest altar Also showing JW Wilson's tobacconistsWard Beadle in civic costume, holding a staff, at a Wardmote Inquest, 1805. Two further Beadles stand in the distance with two figures operating weighing machinery. Ward Beadles hold an annual meeting on the first Friday in September, known as Wardmotes, when they elect citizens to be their representatives on the Court of Common Council.