Watchmen and constables

Towards the end of the 18th century the rise in crime raised serious concern about the lack of a nationwide police force

Metropolitan Police

London's Metropolitan Police, established in 1829, led to the establishment of local police forces elsewhere

Creating the nation's police force

There was a pressing need by the middle of the 19th century for a nationally-organised police force

Early prisons and imprisonment

During the 18th century many of those in prison were only there because they owed money

John Howard and prison reform

During the 1770s Parliament took much interest in John Howard's ideas about prison reform

Towards central control

In the 1820s and 1830s Parliament began to regulate prisons on a national basis

Moves towards a modern penal system

Towards the end of the 19th century Parliament began to adopt new principles for the treatment of prisoners

Also in this section

Follow the major pieces of legislation which have placed police and prisons on a national footing

Also within Living Heritage