There seems to have been an unwritten requirement that men joining the Gloucestershire Police in the early 20th Century had to be good looking and possess a mustache. Today's series starts with P.C. 350 John Shellswell who joined the force in 1892, but whose photo here is from about 1904.
PC stands for Police Constable and the Gloucestershire police are known to this day as the Gloucestershire Constabulary. Sir Robert Peel was appointed as Home Secretary (minister of the interior) in 1822. In 1829, he founded the Metropolitan Police in London to be a civil force to promote law and order, the idea being that the populace would be governed "by consent". The City of London has its own police force and their uniform comprised a hard helmet based on that of a Roman centurion. It took on and as counties created their constabularies, they were given similar helmets. So, British police dress up as Romans. Police were initially called Peelers and later, "coppers" because of the copper buttons on their coats, which were based on the Victorian frock coat.
ReplyDeletePC Shellswell wears a number on his collar. This is now worn on the shoulder and, no surprise, is referred to as a "shoulder number". All ranks wear a shoulder number unless they are "under cover" or "plain clothes". It is an immediate disciplinary offence for a police officer of any rank not to disclose his or her shoulder number upon request. So, if you land on an aggressive or churlish PC Plod, ask him his shoulder number.
I had no idea where the term "coppers" came from. Thanks.
DeleteWhat a fine collection of handsome coppers. Great, great, great work, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the set, Leroy!
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