This comprehensive Robert Peel Handout provides students with an engaging introduction to the life, career and legacy of Sir Robert Peel, one of the most important British politicians of the 19th century. It explores his early life, education, political career, reforms and lasting influence on British policing and the Conservative Party.

Students learn about Peel’s role as Home Secretary, his establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829, the origins of the terms “bobbies” and “peelers”, the Tamworth Manifesto, Catholic Emancipation, free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws.

The resource includes:

An informative reading passage about Robert Peel
12 comprehension and knowledge questions
A selection of historical images and portraits
A historical cartoon exploring Catholic Emancipation
A word-building activity
Source-analysis and critical-thinking activities
Robert Peel quotations
A detailed chronological timeline from 1788 to 1850
A Robert Peel colouring/educational poster
Extension and independent-research activities
Reflection and evaluation activities
Space for students to record questions, interesting information and further research
An answer section for the comprehension questions
The timeline helps students follow Peel’s development from his birth in 1788 through his education, entry into Parliament, ministerial career, establishment of the Metropolitan Police, premierships, support for free trade and the repeal of the Corn Laws, through to his death in 1850.

This resource is suitable for History lessons, British political history, Victorian Britain, the development of policing, citizenship and independent research activities. It can be used as a standalone handout or combined with the accompanying activities to create a larger lesson or mini-unit on Robert Peel.

Suitable for: KS3, KS4, British History, Victorian Britain, Politics, Citizenship and independent research.

Skills developed: Reading comprehension, chronological understanding, source analysis, historical interpretation, critical thinking, research and written communication.