10 Facts about Bow Street Runners

Facts about Bow Street Runners talk about the first professional police force in London. In 1742, the British magistrate and famous author Henry Fielding established this Bow Street Runners. It only consisted of six individuals. Actually the officers never called themselves as runner. But people often call them as the bow street runners. Let’s find out the interesting facts about Bow Street Runners below:

Facts about Bow Street Runners 1: the disbandment of Bow Street Runners

In 1839, the Bow Street Runner was disbanded. The Bow Street Runner is considered similar with the thief taker. The thief taker was the men who were paid to solve the petty crime.

Facts about Bow Street Runners 2: the difference between Bow Street runner and thief takers

The difference between the thief taker and bow street runner occurs here.   The fee that the bow street runner got was from the fund of the central government for this organization was attached to the magistrate office.

Facts about Bow Street Runners

Facts about Bow Street Runners 3: the office

The office of the Bow Street Runner was located at court No.4 Bow Street. It was the office of Fielding, the founder of Bow Street Runner.

Facts about Bow Street Runners 4: the patrol

If you think that Bow Street Runners will do a patrol, you are wrong. The jobs were to travel to other area to arrest criminals, apprehend the offenders of authority and serve writs.

Bow Street Runners

Facts about Bow Street Runners 5: Saunders Welch

Saunders Welch was in charge in Bow Street Runner. He was a former grocer who was elected High Constable of Holborn. This man was very strong and energetic. Find out Boston Massacre facts here.

Facts about Bow Street Runners 6: the members of Bow Street Runners

Saunders Welch chose the members of Bow Street Runners from his former constables. He gave them legal training to fulfill the jobs.

Bow Street Runners Pic

Facts about Bow Street Runners 7: the death of Henry Fielding

In 1754, Henry Fielding passed away. Sir John Fielding, the brother of Henry Fielding took over his job as a Chief Magistrate. Actually Sir John had worked with him for 4 years as an assistant.

Facts about Bow Street Runners 8: Blind Beak of Bow Street

John Fielding was famous as the Blind Beak of Bow Street. He was capable to enhancing the patrol system. He added more men on horseback to patrol.

Bow Street Runners Facts

Facts about Bow Street Runners 9: the importance of Bow Street Runners

Brow Street Runners were great example of the state control of street life and professional patrol in London. Find out facts about Boudicca Revolt here.

Facts about Bow Street Runners 10: the popularity and literature

Bow Street Runners is a part of history. It inspired many writers to use it in their works. One of them is in Robert Louis Stevenson’s St. Ives.

Bow Street Runners Book

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