Great Exhibition of 1851
Prince Albert took a leading role in the organisation of the Exhibition
SIR WILLIAM REID (1791-1858)
30 Dec 1850. Colonel Reid to Colonel Grey
30 Dec 1850RC/H/1/5/79
One aspect of planning for the Exhibition involved the need for a police force to keep both the public and exhibits safe. In this letter from Colonel Reid to Colonel Grey, on 30 December 1850, Reid advises against the use of 'sappers' as Special Constables. He states that,
There is something in their military character incompatible with the civil office of constable.
