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Sir Robert Peel was prime minister twice, but is better known as the creator of the first united police force in 1829, while Home Secretary. Despite initial doubts the public came to accept the new system, and the policemen were soon affectionately referred to as 'Bobbies' or 'Peelers' after their founder. Peel is depicted 'as he was wont to appear in the House'. He wears frock coat and trousers, holds in his left hand a crumpled speech, and with the other points downward. Behind him is a draped gothic pedestal. Soon after his death, statues of Peel were erected in many other cities, and also in the City of London, but the national memorial took considerably longer to arrange. The first statue was made by Carlo Marochetti in 1853, but it was considered too large, so he made a smaller version, but this was also rejected and it was removed in 1868 and melted down.
Title
Monument to Sir Robert Peel (1788–1850)
Date
1876
Medium
bronze & pink granite
Measurements
H 260 x W (?) x D (?) cm;
Plinth: H 300 x W (?) x D (?) cm
Accession number
SW1P_II_S013
Acquisition method
purchased by public subscription
Work type
Statue
Owner
Westminster City Council
Custodian
Westminster City Council
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade II* (England and Wales)
Unveiling date
December 1876
Listing date
17/07/95
Access
at all times
Signature/marks description
on self-base of statue, on the left side: M. NOBLE. SC. LONDON.1876; on self-base of statue, on the right side: COX·&·SONS. ART.FOUNDERS
Inscription description
on front of pedestal in engraved letters filled with black mastic: PEEL / 1788-1850