A History of the World is a unique partnership between the BBC, the British Museum and 350 museums and institutions across the country.

At its heart is a landmark series on BBC Radio 4, A History of the World in 100 Objects, staring from Monday 18th January 2010. The series, written and presented by Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, will feature 100 objects from the British Museum’s collection and will tap in to the unique power of objects to tell stories and make connections across the globe.

Tamworth Castle is just one of the museums in the Staffordshire area taking part with its unique object. Listen out in the next few weeks for the Radio Stoke broadcasts featuring the museums and objects in your local area.

Gold Snuff Box belonging to Robert Peel - Tamworth Castle

Gold snuff box presented to Robert Peel on the occasion of being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Liverpool in 1828. Robert Peel was granted the Freedom in recognition of his work to public service. In 1822 Robert Peel became Home Secretary and introduced measures for reform of prisons and criminal law. In 1828 he set up a committee to look at the subject of crime and policing, the findings of this committee paved the way for the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829 and the creation of the organised police force that we are familiar with today. The spirit in which the snuff box was given is recognition of the progressive and important changes Robert Peel had made during his political career up to this time.  

Robert Peel represented Tamworth in the House of Commons from 1830 on the death of his father and went on to form the Conservative Party and become Prime Minister twice. Tamworth is proud of Robert Peel –the father of modern policing.