Police History – The Bow Street Runners

DESCRIPTION: This historic engraving from 1847 depicts a busy scene in Bow Street, London, featuring the Bow Street Runners—an early police force established in 1749. Policing History: The scene shows the assembling of officers outside the Bow Street Magistrates' Court, which was a central hub for criminal justice in London for over 260 years. Context of the Force: Founded by magistrate and author Henry Fielding, the Bow Street Runners were originally a group of six paid constables before expanding into a more formal force. Scene Details: The image illustrates the transition in London policing, showcasing a professional force marching through a bustling streetscape that includes carriages, pedestrians, and early gas lamps. STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm): 15 x 10.5 CREATORS: PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER: DATE: C19 COMMENTS: Excellent condition SUBJECT: Newsprint PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.