Robert Peel Biography

Sir Robert Peel was an English politician who served twice as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and founded the ‘Conservative Party’. Born to a wealthy cotton mill owner, Peel attained his education at Harrow and Oxford, and later entered parliament as a Tory. Initially in his political career, he served as under-secretary for war and colonies, and the chief secretary for Ireland. Later, he became the home secretary and introduced far-ranging criminal law and prison reform as well as laid the foundation of the Metropolitan Police. Following the dismissal of Whig Government of Earl Grey, Sir Robert Peel was appointed as the Prime Minister of England. But, he resigned after a year following the Tories’ minority issue in the House of Commons, a situation which he found increasingly intolerable. Later, Peel returned to the office with a Conservative administration and it was during this government that he oversaw the introduction of significant legislation such as the Mines Act of 1842, and the Factory Act of 1844. Later, he attempted to repeal the Corn Laws which had been introduced to protect British agriculture. Although, the issue caused heated debate in the parliament for months, the Corn Laws were eventually repealed with support from the Whigs and the Radicals. Afterwards, Peel was defeated on another bill and resigned from his post. He never held office again. Several years later, Peel was badly injured in a riding accident and subsequently died in London.