Sir Robert Peel

In this episode of The British Prime Ministers, we examine Sir Robert Peel — the reforming Conservative who helped shape modern Britain and transformed the office of Prime Minister in the process.Serving twice as Prime Minister, first from 1834 to 1835 and again from 1841 to 1846, Peel was one of the most important political figures of the 19th century. A serious, disciplined, and highly capable administrator, he is widely regarded as the founder of the modern Conservative Party and one of the architects of modern British government.We explore Peel’s rise to power, his early career as Home Secretary, and his lasting reforms to Britain’s criminal justice system, including the creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 — the origin of the “Peelers” and “Bobbies” who still echo his name today.The episode also examines Peel’s years in government, from his financial reforms and commitment to freer trade to his attempts to modernise the British state during a period of rapid industrial and social change. We look at the key reforms of his premiership, including factory legislation, economic restructuring, and his efforts to govern with discipline and efficiency.But no part of Peel’s career casts a longer shadow than the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. Faced with famine in Ireland and growing economic pressure, Peel chose principle over party and repealed the tariffs on imported grain — a decision that brought down his government and split the Conservative Party for a generation.Pragmatic, intelligent, and often politically isolated, Sir Robert Peel was not always admired in his own time, but his influence on Britain was immense.This is the story of the Prime Minister who helped build modern Conservatism — and destroyed his own government to do what he believed was right.