The Thin Red Line: Why the City of London Has Its Own Police Force
When people think of policing in London, they almost always picture Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police. But if you step inside the famous "Square Mile", the historic financial heart of London, you are entering the jurisdiction of a completely different, fiercely independent force: The City of London Police.
Despite patrolling an area of just over one square mile, this tiny force has a massive history. From medieval night watches to the hunt for Jack the Ripper, this is how they came to be, and why they remain one of the most unique police forces in the world.
Keeping the Watch: The Origins
Before organised police forces existed, medieval London relied on the "Ward Watch." Created in the 1200s, this was a system of day constables and night watchmen who patrolled the city walls and gated entries.
