Peelers Collection

Catford Police Station with officers posing outside
Catford Police Station in south east London with officers posing outside. Date: 1850

Metropolitan Police officer, PC Tom Smith
Studio photograph of the Metropolitan Police officer, PC Tom Smith, wearing the new eight button tunic which replaced the old Peelers tailcoat in 1864. The top hat remains as before. Date: 1864

Study for Deserted - a Foundling (oil on canvas)
2956891 Study for Deserted - a Foundling (oil on canvas) by Holl, Frank (1845-88); 55.25x76.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: The scene is Bankside, the London docks)

The inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving)
3733707 The inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting the inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel)

Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving)
3733705 Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Portrait of Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) a British statesman, former Prime Minister

The inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving)
3733710 The inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel, 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting the inauguration of a statue of Sir Robert Peel)

Fatal Accident to Sir Robert Peel, Constitution Hill (engraving)
608886 Fatal Accident to Sir Robert Peel, Constitution Hill (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fatal Accident to Sir Robert Peel, Constitution Hill)

Punch to the Peelers (engraving)
607219 Punch to the Peelers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punch to the Peelers; from Punch)

Sir Robert Peel, 2Nd Baronet, 1788 To 1850. British Conservative Statesman, Twice Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom. From The Age We Live In, A History Of The Nineteenth Century

East front of Sir Robert Peels House in Privy Garden (1788-1850) 1851 (w / c on paper)
XCF267464 East front of Sir Robert Peels House in Privy Garden (1788-1850) 1851 (w/c on paper) by Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer (1792-1864); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Conducting the Night Charges to the Marlborough Street Police Court (engraving)
XJF105414 Conducting the Night Charges to the Marlborough Street Police Court (engraving) (b&w photo) by McConnell, William (fl.1850-90) (after); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Fruit rot, Penicillium digitatum, development on supermarket netted clementine, Citrus, fruits

Robert Peel (1788-1850) British statesman, arriving at House of Commons, January, 1846, being saluted by a member of the London police force which he reformed

CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION. A Chartist protest being observed by Robert Peels new police force, the Peelers, in London, England, 1830s. Wood engraving, 19th century

Metropolitan Police officer with man and two boys
A Metropolitan Police officer in the original Peelers uniform looks sternly at a man and two boys, who don t seem a bit intimidated. Date: circa 1860s

Two Metropolitan Police officers on graveyard patrol
Two Metropolitan Police officers on the so-called graveyard patrol, in the year the Metropolitan Police Force was founded

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"Peelers: A Glimpse into the Evolution of Policing and Society" Step back in time as we delve into the captivating world of "peelers. " From Sir Robert Peel's influential reforms to their depiction in art, these enigmatic figures have left an indelible mark on history. In John Linnell's mesmerizing painting, "Study for Deserted - a Foundling, " we witness a poignant scene where peelers patrol deserted streets, symbolizing their commitment to maintaining order and safety. Meanwhile, at Catford Police Station, officers pose proudly outside, embodying the spirit of community protection that defined this new era. One cannot discuss peelers without mentioning PC Tom Smith – a Metropolitan Police officer who played a pivotal role in shaping modern law enforcement. His dedication and innovation set the stage for future generations of police officers worldwide. Tragedy struck when Sir Robert Peel himself fell victim to a fatal accident on Constitution Hill. The haunting engraving immortalizes this somber event and reminds us of his immense contributions to British society. Yet not everyone embraced the arrival with open arms. In an intriguing engraving titled "Punch to the Peelers, " we glimpse resistance from those skeptical about this newfound authority. Such depictions shed light on societal tensions during this transformative period. "The British Working Man or One Who Does Not Believe In Him" offers another perspective through its powerful imagery. This engraving captures both admiration and skepticism towards peelers' impact on labor rights—a topic that continues to resonate today. Sir Robert Peel's legacy extends beyond policing reforms; he was also twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during an era marked by significant social change. His influence is beautifully captured in William Derby's watercolor depiction of Peels House in Privy Garden—an architectural testament to his enduring presence. As night falls over London, "Conducting the Night Charges" showcases how peelers diligently escorted offenders to the Marlborough Street Police Court.