Who was Robert Peel?

By the time of the Great Exhibition in 1851 the world of Peterloo and the Six Acts seemed only an uncomfortable memory. This was largely due to the successful policies of Robert Peel. The Times, in Peel's obituary in 1850, remarked: 'Peel has been our chief guide from the confusions and darkness that hung around the beginning of the century to the comparatively quiet haven in which we are now embayed'.

He was the son of a successful and enlightened cotton manufacturer who left him a wealthy inheritance and an understanding of the outlook and standards of the business class. By education (Harrow and Oxford: he was the first undergraduate to receive a double First in Classics and Mathematics), and temperament he became associated with the ruling class. It was to prove an uneasy relationship.

early economic reform, 1819-27

Peel was, from 1812 to 1818, the Chief Secretary for Ireland where he established a reputation for firm but honest and impartial administration. He became MP for Oxford University in 1817. From 1822 Peel, as Home Secretary, was busy with a series of legal and criminal reforms. In 1829 he crowned this work by founding the London Metropolitan Police Force. In 1819 he became chairman of the 'Bullion Committee' which advocated a return to the gold standard. This was a deflationary measure which upset the landed classes who had invested large sums at high interest in agricultural improvements during the war years. This is an early example of Peel producing a policy which did not go down well with some of his own party,

Catholic emancipation

The problem which concerned Peel in the 1820s, however, was Catholic emancipation, which he firmly resisted until 1829. Events in Ireland, organised by O'Connell and the Catholic Association, left Peel with the choice of two evils in 1828 - emancipation or rebellion. Peel wished to resign, but Wellington persuaded him to stay on to carry the Bill.

As the MP for Oxford, a bastion of the High Church, he was immediately branded a traitor  by angry, resentful Anglicans and Protestants. In the circumstances it is not surprising that he opposed the Reform Bill, and his strong defence of the established Church after 1832 was partly an attempt to reinstate himself with the Party: His break with Wellington during the reform crisis gave him more political independence. Hence it was no surprise when, after Melbourne's dismissal, Peel was called by the King to form his first government in December 1834.

The Tamworth Manifesto, 1834

Although Peel lost the election, he gave the Tory Party what it desperately needed in the 1830s - leadership and direction. In the Tamworth Manifesto he outlined his plans and policy 'for the Party which from now on will be called Conservative.'

In seven pages of print he stated his policy - a policy designed to appeal to all moderate men interested in maintaining order and good (i.e. non-partisan) government. He accepted the 1832 Reform Act and the possibility of future moderate reform of proven abuses. Peel was trying to turn the Tory Party of one particular class into the Conservative Party of the nation. He gradually built up Party strength in the 'thirties.

In the interests of good government, he refrained from factious opposition. He supported the Whigs when he believed their measures were just and for the national good.

When Peel became Prime Minister for the second time, in 1841, his control of the Party was absolute. During the 'thirties he had proved his ability and potential for leadership; yet he remained unpopular with at least half the Party. Many Tories did not like his middle-class background, his commercial ideas, his liberal outlook and his occasional attempts to put policy before the Party. His relationships, both Party and private, were often strained and uneasy. Many regarded him as cold and aloof.