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HISTORY & LITERATURE 13 MARCH 2016
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1828 (29 June) Letter from Robert Peel, Chief Secretary, at Dublin Castle, to Richard Willcocks
An interesting letter from the founder of the Irish police force to the first commander and former Inspector
General of the Munster Constabulary. Handwritten and signed by Sir Robert Peel, the content is appreciative
of Wilcocks service and concedes his request for the advancement of his son.
Provenance: By descent from Sir RichardWilcocks to the present owner.
In 1814 Sir Robert Peel, as Secretary for Ireland, introduced a bill in Parliament, the Peace Preservation Act.
He appointed Major Richard Willcocks a Chief Magistrate to command the first detachment of the the PPF,
Peace Preservation Force in the barony of Middlethird in County Tipperary .These, the first paid policemen
in Ireland, were soon known, particularly by nationalists as ‘Peelers’. In 1823 Wilcocks was appointed Inspec-
tor General of the Munster Constabulary, a post he held until his retirement in 1827, when he was knighted.
He died in 1834.
8 x 5½in. (20.32 x 13.97cm)
Estimate €300-€500 £234-£390
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 5859
A 19th century decorated police truncheon.
The ebonised ground decorated with a George III
cypher above a royal crown, the initials ‘DH’ and
‘1827’ above turned handle.
16in. (40.64cm)
Estimate €300-€500 £234-£390
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 5960
1825 (October 8) Daniel O’Connell, signed legal
opinion
Headed, “With respect to Carrick Castle” in a clear
secretarial hand, a two page letter giving O’Con-
nell’s legal opinion on the conveyance of Carrick
Castle in 1791, in eight points. Signed by O’Con-
nell and dated; together with an engraving after
Carrick, of O’Connell.
Estimate €200-€250 £156-£195
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 60