Modern Britain: The 20th and 21st Centuries · Summer Term

Conscientious Objection in World Wars

The criminalisation of those who refused to fight in the World Wars.

About This Topic

In the mid-18th century, London was plagued by crime, and the old system of 'thief-takers' was corrupt and ineffective. This topic follows the work of Henry and John Fielding, who established the Bow Street Runners. This was the first attempt at a professional, state-funded detective force. They introduced systematic record-keeping and a 'quick response' team to catch criminals before they could flee the city.

Students will explore the transition from private 'bounty hunting' to public policing. The Fieldings' use of the 'Covent Garden Journal' to share information about crimes is a precursor to modern police communications. This topic is best taught through a 'Case File' activity where students use the Bow Street methods to 'solve' a crime, highlighting the importance of information-sharing and professional standards.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Bow Street Case Files

Provide students with descriptions of 18th-century crimes. They must use the Bow Street Runners' methods (record-keeping, descriptions in the newspaper) to 'track' the criminal across London.

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Thief-Taker vs. Runner

Students compare the 'Thief-Taker' (who only worked for reward money) with the 'Bow Street Runner' (who was paid a small salary). They discuss which system is more likely to lead to justice.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

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Role Play: Pitching the Runners

Students act as Henry Fielding trying to convince the government to fund his 'Runners'. They must explain why a professional force is better than the current system of 'Charlies' (night watchmen).

⏱ 25 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Bow Street Runners were the first police force.

What to Teach Instead

They were a small, specialised group, not a full police force. The Metropolitan Police (1829) was the first 'full' force. A timeline activity helps students distinguish between these two stages of development.

Common Misconception

Everyone welcomed the Bow Street Runners.

What to Teach Instead

Many people feared they would be used as 'spies' for the government. Peer discussion helps students understand the long-standing British suspicion of professional policing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Fielding Brothers?

Henry Fielding (a famous novelist) and his half-brother John Fielding (known as the 'Blind Beak') were magistrates at Bow Street. They realised that the current system of catching criminals was failing and created the 'Runners' to provide a more professional response.

How did the Bow Street Runners differ from 'thief-takers'?

Thief-takers were private individuals who only caught criminals for reward money, often leading to corruption. The Runners were officially attached to the court, received a small government salary, and were trained to investigate and keep records.

What was the Covent Garden Journal?

This was a newspaper started by Henry Fielding. He used it to publish descriptions of stolen goods and wanted criminals. It was the first time the public was systematically used to help the police gather information.

How does active learning help students understand the Bow Street Runners?

By 'solving' a crime using Bow Street methods, students see the practical value of record-keeping and communication. It moves the topic from a list of names and dates to a study of 'methodology'. This helps them explain in exams why the Runners were a significant turning point in the history of policing.

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