Case study: The reforms of Robert Peel

Question 1

When was Robert Peelson Primeminister?

Answer 1

1834-1835 and later from 1841-1846

Question 2

When did Robert Peelson become home-secretary?

Answer 2

1822

Question 3

Why was Robert Peelson seen to be a particularly effective politician?

Answer 3

• He was open to new ideas, took on many of Elizabeth fry’s ideas about prison reform.
• Skillful at getting bills through Parliament.
• Made the most of his senior positions to implement his reforming ideas.

Question 4

How did Peelson use the law more effectively?

Answer 4

Always punishing the same crime with the same punishment.

Question 5

What was the 1823 Gaols act?

Answer 5

• Prisoners should receive regular visits from prison Chaplains.
• Gaolers should be paid so that they don’t have to take bribes from prisoners.
• female prisoners should have female warders.
• Prisoners should not be held in chains or irons.

Question 6

What did Peel and his commissioners do in order to quench the public concern about the police force?

Answer 6

They drew up and issued clear guidelines to all new police recruits.