On this day in 1829, the Home secretary, Sir Robert Peel, formed the Metropolitan Police. He had already set up the Irish Constabulary and made huge strides in reform of the criminal law, making him one of the most brilliant Home Secs of all time. Unfortunately the boys in blue let him down. of the original 3000 recruits, most were dismissed within 18 months for drunkenness and bribe-taking.
How often have we heard it? You can't get the staff!
In other news ...
George Mallory died today on Everest, 1000 feet from the summit. When asked why he wanted to do it, he famously replied, 'Because it's there.' His body was discovered in 1999 lying face down on the scree. The high altitude and weather had effectively mummified him and his body was left in situ. The great conundrum of course is - had he already reached the summit before he fell and broke his leg or was he still on the way up?
