Bow Street Runners

Question 1

What did the Fielding Brothers take over in 1748?

Answer 1

Bow street magistrates court

Question 2

What did the fielding brothers believe was the reason for the rising crime?

Answer 2

A result of the breakdown of order as thousands flooded into London to make a living. They also blamed the bad example set by corrupt politicians.

Question 3

In what year did Henry and John Fielding set up the Bow street runners?

Answer 3

1749

Question 4

Who were the Bow street runners?

Answer 4

A team of thief takers who patrolled the streets of London in the evenings and apprehended criminals so they could be taken for trial. They initially consisted of 6 officers who charged deeds and heavily relied on reward money. It wasn’t until 1753 that the government agreed to provide funds to pay the officers

Question 5

How did the Bow street runners branch out their patrolling methods and what did this stop?

Answer 5

Patrolled major roads on foot and on horse. Which ended highway robbery in London. When it returned, a group of 64 men was set up and shared info of stolen goods, crimes and suspects through the publication of the newspapers the Hue and Cry

Question 6

What had the Bow Street runners achieved by the 1800s?

Answer 6

A more organised system of preventing and policing crime. However there was still no co ordination between runners, watchmen and constables and many feared the cost of the police and that they limited their freedom