Describe Sir Robert Peel’s accomplishments.

Question

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Answer 1

Highly educated, Robert Peel entered politics like his father at a young age (21) and was eventually appointed as the chief secretary in Dublin, Ireland. There, drawing on Patrick Colquhoun’s writings, he established the Royal Irish Constabulary, men who were later called “Peelers.” He served through a series of other positions before being named home secretary in 1822. It was in this position that Peel helped to establish the London Metropolitan Police Force in 1829, thus earning recognition as the “father of policing.” Although the police were not well received at first, they did help to reduce crime and, in time, earned a positive reputation. In 1834, Peel became the prime minister of England and then served a second term from 1841 to 1846. He continued in politics and was knighted with the title of “Sir” for his service to the Crown, which is why he is generally referred to as Sir Robert Peel. (Officially, he was known as Sir Robert Peel, Second Baronet, and his son was dubbed Sir Robert Peel, Third Baronet.) Peel was thrown from his horse on June 29, 1850, and died from his injuries three days later.