Historical Figures
Robert Peel
Also Known As Sir Robert Peel
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British Conservative statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 10 December 1834 to 8 April 1835 and again from 30 August 1841 to 29 June 1846. As Home Secretary he reformed the criminal code and, in 1829, established the Metropolitan Police, whose officers took the nickname bobbies after him. Peel founded the modern Conservative Party, setting out its platform in the 1834 Tamworth Manifesto. As Prime Minister he repealed the Corn Laws in 1846 over the opposition of most of his own party, splitting the Conservatives for a generation and resigning within days of the repeal passing. He died in July 1850 after a fall from his horse.
Facts
RolePrime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834 to 1835 and 1841 to 1846); founder of the Conservative Party and of the Metropolitan Police 1 BirthplaceBury, Lancashire, England 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Introduced the bill that repealed the Corn Laws in 1846, splitting his own Conservative Party over the vote and resigning as Prime Minister within days of its passage.
In Era
Participant In
Sources
1. Sir Robert Peel (Museum of the Prime Minister)
Museum of the Prime MinisterSir Robert Peel biographyQuote, Sir Robert Peel biography
Sir Robert Peel was one of the most important Victorian Prime Ministers. He founded the Conservative Party and led them to a majority victory in the 1841 election.
Sir Robert Peel's Speech on the Repeal of the Corn Laws, 22 January 1846 (History Home)
Robert Peel (speech text), History HomeAssociated With: Repeal of the Corn LawsView the Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.In Era: The Late Modern Period
The Corn Laws (The National Archives, UK)
The National Archives (UK)Participant In: Repeal of the Corn Laws, Impact of 1815 Corn Laws, introductory paragraphQuote, Participant In: Repeal of the Corn Laws, Impact of 1815 Corn Laws, introductory paragraph
Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel repealed them in 1846
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