Robert Peel
Conservative statesman, founder of modern policing and free trade.
Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet (5 February 1788 – 2 July 1850), was a British Conservative politician who held the offices of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834–1835 and 1841–1846), Chancellor of the Exchequer (1834–1835), and Home Secretary (1822–1827 and 1828–1830). He is widely considered the founder of modern British policing, having established the Metropolitan Police during his time as Home Secretary. Peel also helped create the modern Conservative Party.
Peel was the son of a wealthy textile manufacturer and MP, making him the first prime minister to come from an industrial business background. He achieved a double first in classics and mathematics at Christ Church, Oxford, entered the House of Commons in 1809, and quickly rose through the Tory ranks. As Home Secretary from 1822 to 1827, he reformed and liberalised criminal law and set up the first modern police force, whose officers became known as "bobbies" or "peelers" in his honour. After a short time out of office, he returned as Home Secretary under the Duke of Wellington from 1828 to 1830, also serving as Leader of the House of Commons. Though he initially supported legal discrimination against Catholics, he changed his position and backed the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 and the 1828 repeal of the Test Act, arguing that while emancipation was dangerous, civil strife was even more so.
After leading the opposition from 1830 to 1834, Peel became prime minister in November 1834. That December, he issued the Tamworth Manifesto, which laid out the principles of the modern Conservative Party. His first government was a minority administration dependent on Whig support, with Peel also acting as his own Chancellor of the Exchequer. It collapsed after just four months, and he returned to leading the opposition during Lord Melbourne’s second ministry (1835–1841). Peel became prime minister again after the 1841 general election, serving for five years. He reduced tariffs to encourage trade, making up for lost revenue with a 3 per cent income tax. He was central to advancing free trade and established a modern banking system. Key legislation under his second government included the Mines and Collieries Act 1842, the Income Tax Act 1842, the Factories Act 1844, and the Railway Regulation Act 1844. His administration was weakened by anti-Catholic backlash after the controversial increase in the May
- born
- 5 February 1788
- died
- 2 July 1850
- field
- Politics
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- Founding the Metropolitan Police; repealing the Corn Laws; creating the modern Conservative Party
Lore & Background
Robert Peel was born on 5 February 1788 at Chamber Hall in Bury, Lancashire, to the industrialist and parliamentarian Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet, and his wife, Ellen Yates. He earned a double first in classics and mathematics from Christ Church, Oxford, and entered the House of Commons in 1809. He served as Chief Secretary for Ireland, where he proposed the Peace Preservation Act 1814, authorising paid special constables later called 'peelers', laying the basis for the Royal Irish Constabulary. Initially a supporter of continued legal discrimination against Catholics, Peel reversed his stance and supported the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 and the 1828 repeal of the Test Act, writing, 'though emancipation was a great danger, civil strife was a greater danger'.
Reader's Guide
Peel's significance lies in his central role in shaping modern British governance. As Home Secretary, he created the Metropolitan Police, leading to officers known as 'bobbies' and 'peelers'. He issued the Tamworth Manifesto in December 1834, laying down principles upon which the modern Conservative Party is based. In his second ministry, he cut tariffs to stimulate trade, replacing lost revenue with a 3 per cent income tax, and played a central role in making free trade a reality. His government's major legislation included the Mines and Collieries Act 1842, the Income Tax Act 1842, the Factories Act 1844, and the Railway Regulation Act 1844. After the outbreak of the Great Irish Famine, his decision to join with Whigs and Radicals to repeal the Corn Laws led to his resignation as prime minister in 1846. Historian A. J. P. Taylor wrote: 'Peel was in the first rank of 19th-century statesmen. He carried Catholic Emancipation; he repealed the Corn Laws; he created the modern Conservative Party on the ruins of the old Toryism.'
Did You Know?
- Peel was the first prime minister from an industrial business background.
- He was the first Oxford student to take a double first in classics and mathematics.
- The Metropolitan Police officers were nicknamed 'bobbies' and 'peelers' in tribute to him.
- He reversed his stance on Catholic emancipation, supporting the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Robert Peel?
Sir Robert Peel (1788–1850) was a British Conservative statesman who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and is best known for founding the Metropolitan Police and helping shape the modern Conservative Party. He was the son of a wealthy textile manufacturer and MP, making him the first prime minister to come from an industrial business background.
What is Robert Peel most famous for?
Peel is widely credited with establishing the Metropolitan Police during his time as Home Secretary, effectively creating the model of modern professional policing. He is also remembered for repealing the Corn Laws, a landmark move that shifted Britain decisively toward free trade.
How long did Robert Peel serve as Prime Minister?
He held the premiership in two separate terms: first from 1834 to 1835 and then from 1841 to 1846. In between and before those stints he also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary, giving him an unusually broad range of cabinet experience.
How did Robert Peel's life end?
Peel suffered a severe fall from his horse in 1850 and lapsed into a coma from which he never recovered, dying on 2 July 1850. His death marked the close of a career that had reshaped both British policing and Conservative politics.
Why is Robert Peel considered a pivotal figure in British and European politics?
He is regarded as the architect of the modern Conservative Party and a champion of free-trade policy whose repeal of the Corn Laws influenced economic thinking across Europe. His creation of a professional, non-partisan police force also became a template adopted by other European states.
More in European Prime Ministers And Statesmen 1-24
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