Why were policemen called peeler? - History of Bury - Year 3

The term 'Peelers' for early policemen originates from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who is credited with establishing the Metropolitan Police Service in London in the 19th century. These officers were also commonly referred to as 'Bobbies', a nickname derived from Robert Peel's first name. The connection between the police and Robert Peel is so significant that it has left a lasting imprint on the colloquial language used to describe police officers in the UK. The term 'Coppers' is another nickname for police officers, and it comes from the old English verb 'cop', which means to grab hold of or seize, reflecting one of the duties police officers perform.

The historical town of Bury has a connection to Robert Peel as well. He was born in Bury, Lancashire, and his family was involved in the local textile industry. Robert Peel's impact extended beyond his industrial roots; he became a prominent political figure, serving twice as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. His association with Bury and his role in the formation of the modern police force are key elements of the town's history and are remembered through the colloquial names given to police officers, such as 'Peelers' and 'Bobbies'.