Blue plaque unveiled for former Halifax constable who became crime novelist
The life and work of a former Halifax constable who later became an acclaimed crime novelist has been commemorated with a blue plaque.
Maurice Procter served as a Halifax constable for 19 years before embarking on a successful career as a crime novelist.
A ceremony took place on September 21 to unveil a blue plaque in his honour at the former police headquarters on Harrison Road in Halifax.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Procter family, local crime writers and representatives of Calderdale Libraries. The plaque was unveiled by Chief Superintendent Sareth Humpage, Divisional Officer of Calderdale Division, West Yorkshire Police.
Mr Procter published 26 novels during his career – including Two Men in Twenty, No Proud Chivalry, and Dog Man – with many set in the North of England and drawing on his experiences as a police constable.
Halifax Civic Trust secretary, Mandy Hurd, said: “His experience as a Halifax police officer clearly influenced the authenticity of his novels, and I felt it was particularly appropriate that the plaque should be placed at the former Halifax Borough Police Headquarters on Harrison Road, where he served.
“It has been wonderful to see his family, colleagues from West Yorkshire Police, local crime writers and representatives from Calderdale Libraries come together to celebrate his life and work.
“I hope the plaque will encourage more people in Halifax to discover Maurice Procter and his books.”
Calderdale Libraries currently has a display of his books at Halifax Library, giving visitors an opportunity to discover more about his writing and career.
Mr Procter was born in 1906 and died in 1973.