Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Mounted Police" Watercolor on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. The history of the British Police Force is nearly as old as England itself. In 1066, when the Normans conquered England, a system of public protection and safety was established. In this system, men sixteen years old and over were required to stand watch and ward duty for their town. On such assignments the men questioned travelers who were on the road after nightfall and held suspicious persons in custody. They also patrolled the streets to quiet disturbances and prevent crime. If a crime was committed, all able-bodied men joined with the men on watch in a hue and cry, or a chase to capture the suspect. As towns grew, the policing systems also became larger and more organized. By 1800, London had its own special police to guard the docks, the marketplace, and other selected locations. In 1829, Londoner Sir Robert Peel organized the London Metropolitan Police, a body of trained and paid policemen who guarded the city both by day and by night. Named after their founder, these officers were soon known throughout London as "bobbies" or "peelers." The name stuck and to this day, the Metropolitan Police Force is referred to by the name "bobbies." Today, this force is a far cry from that of the early days. It is a league of professional crime fighters and dedicated public servants, skilled in modern police procedures. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 13.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B05333)