This article is about the London magistrate. For the soldier, see John Williams (VC). Photo submitted by John Young Photo by Simon Clabon John Williams (?1857-November 25, 1932) was a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ...

Sir John Fielding (1721 – 4 September 1780) was a notable English magistrate and social reformer of the 18th century. He was also the younger half-brother of novelist, playwright and chief magistrate Henry Fielding. Despite being blinded in a navy accident at the age of 19, John set up his own business and, in his spare time, studied law with Henry. // Events Pope Innocent XIII becomes pope Johann Sebastian Bach composes the Brandenburg Concertos April 4 - Robert Walpole becomes the first prime minister of Britain September 10 - Treaty of Nystad is signed, bringing an end to the Great Northern War November 2 - Peter I is proclaimed Emperor of All the Russias... is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1780 was a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the  United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total 130... A magistrate is a judicial officer. ... Reform movement is a kind of social movement that aims to make a change in certain aspects of the society rather than fundamental changes. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... A novel is an extended work of written, narrative, prose fiction, usually in story form; the writer of a novel is a novelist. ... A playwright, also known as a dramatist, is a person who writes dramatic literature or drama. ... Henry Fielding (April 22, 1707 – October 8, 1754) was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humor and satirical prowess and as the author of the novel Tom Jones. ... Blindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or psychological factors. ...

Appointed Henry's assistant in 1750, John helped him to root out corruption and improve the competence of those engaged in administering justice in London. They formed the first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners. Through the regular circulation of a 'police gazette' containing descriptions of known criminals, Fielding also established the basis for the first police criminal records department. Events March 2 - Small earthquake in London, England April 4 - Small earthquake in Warrington, England August 23 - Small earthquake in Spalding, England September 30 - Small earthquake in Northampton, England November 16 – Westminster Bridge officially opened Jonas Hanway is the first Englishman to use an umbrella James Gray reveals her sex... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... The Bow Street Runners have been called Londons first professional constables. ... for other uses please see Crime (disambiguation) A crime is an act that violates a political or moral law. ...

When Henry died in 1754, John was appointed magistrate at Bow Street in his place, becoming renowned as the "Blind Beak" allegedly able to recognise 3000 criminals by the sounds of their voices. He also continued to develop his ideas on crime prevention and youth employment. He was knighted in 1761. 1754 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Bow Street looking north. ... The silver Anglia knight, commissioned as a trophy in 1850, intended to represent the Black Prince. ... 1761 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

In popular culture

A fictionalized Sir John Fielding is the protagonist of 10 historical detective novels written by the late American writer Bruce Cook (1932-2003) under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander.

External links

• The Blind Beak of Bow Street by John Dashney
• Sir John Fielding at the National Portrait Gallery