Bow Street Runners

The Bow Street Runners were founded in 1750 by the novelist and magistrate Henry Fielding, they were London's first professional constables and originally numbered just eight. They worked out of Fielding's office and court at No.4 Bow Street, but did not patrol but served writs and arrested offenders on the authorit yof the magistrates, travelling nationwide to apprehend criminals. At first they were nicknamed Robin Redbreasts, because their unifrom included a scarlet waistcoat.

When Henry retired in 1754 he was succeeded by his brother John Fielding (known as the "Blind Beak of Bow Street") refined the patrol into first truly effective police force for the capital.