Why are UK Police Helmets that shape?

Answer 1

The British policeman or 'bobby' as he is sometimes referred to, is recognised the world over by the distinctive form of headwear......the helmet. However, the British police helmet has only been around since about the 1860's.

The evolution of law enforcement and policing in England and Wales goes back to Anglo-Saxon times. It is a complex subject, and many a website could be dedicated to that subject alone.

Suffice to say that in 1829, Sir Robert Peel passed the Metropolitan Police Act, and from that time, London had its very first organised police force. One important provision of the Bill was that the police force was to wear a standard uniform, consisting of blue swallow tailed coat and blue trousers for wear during the winter period, changing to white trousers for the summer.

At this time the headwear was a tall top hat. Made from beaver, it was strengthened with leather side pieces, and a thick leather crown. On the inside was a wire and cane strengthening ring, which gave strength and ridgidity to the hat.

1863 New style helmet trialed, based on the military 'Prussian' helmet.
1865 New style helmet adopted.
1867 The Inspectors of Constabulary report showed that there were 237 police forces established in England and Wales. Each Chief Constable would have had his own idea on the type and style of uniform and would have been free to experiment with helmet and uniform for their respective force.

The historian or collector will come across various shapes in helmet design, such as the Coxcomb, the Rose top, and the Ball top, and these have continued up until the present day. Throughout England and Wales regional preferences have remained for many years.

There were several variations in materials...i.e. Luton and Salisbury had hats made from plaited straw, and during summer months, some forces such as Swansea, Southend and Peterborough wore a white coloured helmet (see photo). Senior officers helmets tended to be more ornate, with additional metal or silver fittings.

There's Web Site, See Below

Answer 2

Police Helmets

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why are UK Police Helmets that shape?

Answer 4

uk police helmets shape

Answer 5

'bill'before World War 2 the Scottish Police in Glasgow,Edinburgh,Aberdeen etc wore the same style helmet as they do in England. The peaked cap was generally worn by officers in the countryside. The black and white checked hat band was introduced so that police officers would not be confused with other similarly uniformed people. In Scotland it is known as the Sillitoe Tartan having been introduced by Sir Percy Sillitoe the Chief Constable of Glasgow,1931/1943.

Answer 6

It was designed that way in order to help the Copper stand out in a crowd. Essentially it is the Victorian equivilant to the high-vis jacket that many Police Officer's wear on the beat nowadays. That it remains in use today is a throwback to the traditions and history of the Police in England and Wales but it is unpopular with most front-line Peelers because it is usually the first thing to go in a scuffle and provides no protection whatsoever.

Answer 7

Helmets vary in shape the helmet I wore in the job was the 1904 Royal Artillery pattern the same as the metropolitan one so it was obviously based on military headgear of the day.

Answer 8

They are not that shape in Scotland

Answer 9

because their heads are that shape of course!
see also Chefs

Answer 10

to look talller