Jack the Ripper:Describe Law and Order in London in the late 9th century?

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GCSE History

Jack the Ripper

History coursework

1. Describe law and order in London in the late 19th century?

At the start of the nineteenth century the enforcement of law and order in London was the same as it had been during the Middle Ages. There were growth problems with popular protest movements which frightened the Government. This is when the whole question of keeping law and order had become a matter of public concern. As Britain’s population gradually increased so did the number of crimes that were committed. London’s population had grown to 1.5 million, yet it only had only had 450 constables and 4,000 watchmen. The tactics for preventing and dealing with crime in London were often inefficient and caused more problems and disturbance. As a result of the Industrial Revolution there was an apparent growth in homicide, robbery, theft and burglary.

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Sir Robert Peel played an important role in the major reform of law enforcement, which was the Metropolitan Police Act in 1829. He believed that existing methods of maintaining law and order were inefficient. Before 1829, London depended on the army or the local militia to keep the peace. During 1829, London had a police force of 3,200 men to cover an area extending 7 miles from the centre of London. The ‘bobbies’ or ‘peelers’ wore a uniform that included dark blue long coats and a tall hat. They were also unarmed except for truncheons; this was so they ...

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Jack the Ripper:Describe Law and Order in London in the late 9th century?
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  • Level
    GCSE
  • Subject
    History
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