Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Bow Street Runners
Magistrate's Court: 1808-1811

Bow Street Runners-Magistrate's Court 1808-1811

Unemployed older men became night watchmen. These night watchmen caught criminals and if they required help, they could use greggers or noisemaking rattles to signal parish constables.
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In addition, private "thief-takers" could be hired by victims of crime to apprehend criminals.
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In 1749, chief Magistrate Henry Fielding founded the Bow street Runners. The Bow street Runners wore a blue dress coat with brass buttons and a red waistcoat. These police were referred to as the "Robin Redbreasts", and were something between barristers and thief-takers.
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In 1754, Henry Fielding was replaced by his half-brother, John Fielding.
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On September 29, 1829, Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet created the Metropolitan Police.

  1. Dickens' letter about the Bow Street Runners: April 18, 1862
  2. Nightwatchman "gregger"
  3. Henry Fielding
  4. John Fielding
  5. Robert Peel
  6. Metropolitan Police

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