HISTORY OF THE NPC&TC

Catherine Gurney was born on the 19th June 1848. She was the youngest daughter of Joseph Gurney, a member of the firm of W B Gurney, shorthand writers to Parliament and grand-daughter of William B Gurney who played a leading role in the abolition of slavery.

Miss Gurney took an active interest in deserving causes. In her early life in the 1870’s she worked amongst the poor in Wandsworth and became aware of the work of the Police Force. She was often grateful for their protection on dark, lonely walks up to Wimbledon Common and she decided to do something as an act of gratitude to the Police Service and to the constables who, in long hours of duty, had to endure ‘danger and temptations’ of all kinds.

In 1883 Catherine Gurney began to devote herself to the welfare of Police Officers. She founded the International Christian Police Association initially at her home and a Police Institute was subsequently founded in London where Officers could call for a welcome and warming drink.