Second Baronet Sir Robert Peel

Robert Peels early years Sir Robert Peel, statesman and creator of the police force, was the second of six Sir Robert Peels. He was born on the 5 th of February 1788, third child and first son, to Robert and Ellen Peel. Although he is often called Tamworth's favourite son he was actually born in Bury, Lancashire. He came to Tamworth in 1798 when his father (one of the richest men in Britain) purchased Drayton Manor. Robert Peel attended a local Tamworth primary school between 1798 – Robert left Tamworth to finish his education, first at Harrow school, going on to Oxford University.

Roberts Irish Connection After graduating from Oxford with double firsts in Maths and Classics, Robert was eager to pursue a career in politics. He became an MP for Cashel City, Co Tipperary, when his father bought him the seat in 1809 – he was just 21. He proved to be an excellent politician and soon rose to a very powerful position as the under secretary to Ireland. Cashel Cathedral

A place in the Cabinet In 1812 Robert Peel became MP for Chippenham, in Cambridgeshire. He represented many constituencies during his political career. In 1822 Peel became a Cabinet minister in Lord Liverpools Tory government. He was given the post of Home Secretary. He also served in the Duke of Wellingtons Government. Robert Peel became Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1834 for just four months. He became Prime Minister again in He resigned in from government in 1847.

What Robert Peel did. In 1810 he formed the Royal Irish Constabulary which proved a great success. In 1822 he reformed the gaols and reduced the amount of offences that carried the death penalty. In 1829 he passed the Metropolitan Police act, the first thousand uniformed police force began to patrol the streets of London. In he 1846 repealed the Corn Laws (which kept food at a high price) and encouraged free trade.

Robert Peel The Man Robert Peel, although determined and single minded, was said to have been a very shy man. His shyness was often mistaken for coldness and unnerved people. He was said to have some strange mannerisms like pointing his toes and shaking his cuffs down. This was thought to have been as a result of his shyness. Queen Victoria in whos government he served, was supposed to have been very fond of Robert Peel. In 1843 she visited him at his home in Tamworth, Drayton Manor. Sir Robert Peel died on 2 nd of July 1850, three days after being thrown from his horse. His title passed to his son.

The end of the Sir Roberts. Sir Robert Peel the sixth Baronet was the last one. He never lived at Drayton Manor but stayed there sometimes with friends during his university days. The sixth Baronet died in 1942, when the ship he was serving on during World War II was bombed. He was only 21 when he died and had no children; so the title was never passed on.

Drayton Manor Drayton Manor is now a famous tourist attraction. People come from all over the country to visit the hugely popular theme park and zoo. Nothing of the original Manor house remains, but features of the original gardens can be seen. Drayton manor became one of the first theme parks in Britain when it opened its gates in 1949.