Depredations on the Thames Act 1800 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for the more effectual Prevention of Depredations on the River Thames, and in its Vicinity; and to amend an Act made in the second Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to prevent the committing of Thefts and Frauds by Persons navigating Bum Boats, and other Boats upon the River Thames. |
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| Citation | 39 & 40 Geo. 3. c. 87 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 28 July 1800 |
| Expired | 25 March 1807 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amends | Thefts upon the Thames Act 1762 |
| Amended by |
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| Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1871 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Depredations on the Thames Act 1800 was an important law passed in Great Britain. It was given royal approval on July 28, 1800. This Act helped to stop thefts and other crimes happening on the River Thames. It also made changes to an older law from 1762 that dealt with similar issues.
Contents
Protecting the Thames: The 1800 Act
This law, sometimes called the Thames Police Act 1800, was created to make the River Thames safer. Before this Act, there were many problems with goods being stolen from ships. This was especially true in the Pool of London, a busy part of the river where many ships docked.
What Was the Marine Police Force?
Two years before this Act, a group called the Marine Police Force was started. This force was set up by merchants who owned ships carrying valuable goods from the West Indies. They paid for the police force themselves. Their main goal was to protect their cargo from being stolen while it was on the Thames.
How the Act Changed the Police Force
The Depredations on the Thames Act 1800 changed the Marine Police Force a lot. It made the force a public service, meaning it was now run and paid for by the government. The Act also increased the number of officers to 88 men. These officers then worked under the direct control of the Home Secretary, a high-ranking government official.
This change was a big step towards creating modern police forces. It laid the foundation for the Marine Police Force to eventually join the Metropolitan Police in 1839. The Metropolitan Police is London's main police force today.
Later Laws for Thames Safety
The Depredations on the Thames Act 1800 was a good start, but it needed updates. Other laws were passed to keep it going and make improvements.
The 1807 and 1814 Acts
The Depredations on the Thames Act 1807 continued the work of the 1800 Act. It made sure the police force could keep operating. Later, the Depredations on the Thames Act 1814 also helped to keep the laws against river crime active and updated. These acts showed that protecting the Thames was a continuing effort.
Final Changes and Mergers
Over the years, several other laws also amended or renewed the original Act. These included the Police Magistrates Metropolitan Act 1822, the Police Magistrates, Metropolis Act 1833, and the Justices of the Peace in Metropolis Act 1837.
Finally, in 1839, the Marine Police Force officially became part of the Metropolitan Police. This happened through the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. This merger brought all of London's police efforts under one main organization. It helped to create a more organized and effective police system for the city and its famous river.
