Many people know Sir Robert Peel to be one of Britain's most famous Victorians. Let's have a look at some of the more fascinating facts about Robert Peel.
1. Police! Stop!
He created the modern police force. It wasn't the first police force that had ever existed- the Egyptians were the first inventors of this idea. However, it was the first of its kind in Britain. He tested the idea in Ireland first, then recreated it in England.
2. Conservative Party
In 1834, he founded what is now known as the Conservative Party. He converted this from what was already known as the Tory Party.
3. Corn Laws
Robert Peel knew the Corn Laws were hurting everyday people- as they kept the price of grain high, so food was very expensive. However, this made rich people even richer. He repealed (overturned) the Corn Laws in 1846 which made it much cheaper for people to buy bread. However, it split the Conservative Party who then couldn't get elected for 28 years.
4. Bury
He was born in Bury, Lancashire and was the son of a rich industrialist. He moved to Tamworth when he was 7 however. Despite this, there are still many monuments to Robert Peel in Bury.
5. His father was also called Robert Peel.
Robert Peel's father, the rich industrialist and mill owner, was also called Robert Peel.
6. His gruesome death
He died in 1851 when he fell off his horse. What a sorry way to go for such a great man.
7. Immortalised by The Beatles
Robert Peel is one of the people who made it onto the front of the noted Beatles album Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band front cover. Look out for it when you are next in HMV!
8. Twice Prime Minister
Robert Peel was elected to be Prime Minister not once, but twice! This occurred during the years of 1834-5 and 1841-6.
9. He cared about normal people
Robert Peel created the Factory Act of 1844- which was the first health and safety law in Britain. It protected women and children and made sure all dangerous machines were fenced off. This does not mean that life was completely safe for women and children in the workplace however. It was merely the first step on a long journey.
Comments
Post a Comment