Articles on the History of Essex, Researching your Ancestors, and British HistoryThe PeelersA Peeler or Bobby Image from Punch, 1845, courtesy of the Harold B. Lee Library on Flickr NKCR Show
The origin of the nickname for the first police officers.Peelers was the name given to the first police officers. They were named after Sir Robert Peel who introduced them, first in Ireland, and then in England. They were also known as Bobbies in England. Peel was the Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1812 until 1818 at a time when Ireland was a troubled country with a disaffected country population suffering from agricultural depression, secret societies, gangs and sectarian violence. Peel introduced the Peace of Preservation Act 1814 which established a Peace Preservation Force. The Force acted more as a security and paramilitary force than a force to prevent crime and protect property as it later became in England. Its main aim was to deal with any form of unrest and rioting, particularly in the country districts. A mobile unit of officers and a magistrate which would be dispatched to an area to quash any trouble. The officers soon became known as Peelers. Later in 1836, after a number of changes, the force became known as the Irish Constabulary. General Matthew speaking in Parliament in 1817. Peel was present, hence the aside. In 1822, Peel was appointed Home Secretary of the British Government and he introduced a number of changes to the criminal law; and in 1829 in London, he founded a civil police force for the preservation and maintenance of law and order: The Metropolitan Police. Similar forces soon became established across the country. The London officers were also called Peelers, and were also known as Bobbies. The origin of the latter is generally accepted as being named after Peel's first name, but some suggest that the name came from Bobby the Beadle. Before the foundation of the police, these were guardians of some of the London squares. Armed with canes, they kept order and made sure the squares were only used by residents and their guests. Since then the police have been called many other names including: copper, cops, slops, scufty, bulky, rozzers, old bill, and crushers. More articles on the History of Essex, Researching your Ancestors, and British History1921 Census now on FindmypastThe 1921 census which gives details of almost 38 million individuals is now available on Findmypast. Start now to discover your ancestors. At the moment access is pay-per-view. Find your Essex Ancestors in the Parish RegistersThe Essex Record Office 'ERO' are custodians of the parish registers of Essex. Ancestry.co.uk have now transcribed the entire collection of Essex parish registers. Search now on Ancestry for your Essex ancestors. Then on the results page click on ‘request image’ and you will be taken to the ERO website where you can purchase an image of the relevant page. Visit our Parish Registers of Essex page for more information. Find your Ancestors in the NewspapersNewspaper archives are now a very important source of information for researching your family tree. Try our example search to help you discover if your ancestors are in the British Newspaper Archive. Looking for pictures to add to your family tree album?Ebay is a good source of old images of Essex towns and villages. If you're looking for pictures to add to your family tree album, then try one of the auctions, or there are several 'Buy It Now' shops offering postcards which have been touched up and improved - so if you're unsure about bidding, try these. Link below already formatted for Essex and Postcards.
Are British police called bobbies?In Britain today all policemen are commonly referred to as 'Bobbies'! Originally though, they were known as 'Peelers' in reference to one Sir Robert Peel (1788 – 1850). Today it is hard to believe that Britain in the 18th century did not have a professional police force.
Why are London police called Bobbies quizlet?Nickname of officers in Britain named for Sir Robert Peel. Bobbies replaced the existing( and generally corrupt) system of parish constables and night watchmen. Earliest known system of policing in England.
Why are British police called peelers?The term comes from the founder of the Metropolitan Police, William Wilberforce. The previous force named "The Bow Street Runners" was founded by Sir Robert Peel, hence another name, the Peelers.
Who were the bobbies and where does their name come from?Robert Peel's system was a success, and by the mid-19th century large American cities had created similar police forces. In London, the policemen were so identified with the politician who created them that they were referred to as “Peelers” or—more memorably—“Bobbies,” after the popular nickname for Robert.
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