Cole v PC 443A    Ecclesiastical Law – Divine service – Westminster Abbey – Right of member of public to
attend – Right of public not parishioners.
Prior to 1932 the plaintiff had acted as a guide to Westminster Abbey under a permit issued
to him by the dean and chapter. The permit expired in March 1932. Renewal of the permit
was refused. When conducting tours around the abbey under his permit the plaintiff wore a
badge which was inscribed “Cole’s Sightseeing Tours Guide.” On 12 December 1935, the
plaintiff, wearing this badge, was present at Divine service in the Abbey. There was nothing
improper in the plaintiff’s conduct. The dean had previously given orders that the plaintiff
was not to be allowed in the abbey. A police constable was called and, after requesting the
plaintiff to leave, ejected him without unnecessary force. The plaintiff lodged an information
against the police constable for assault:—