The World-Famous Custodian Helmet

The Custodian Helmet, traditionally worn by male constables on foot patrol in England and Wales, is one of the most recognizable hats in the world. The History Guy shares the history behind one of the hats in his collection.
An original version of this episode was created for History Guy patrons on Patreon. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider a subscription. www.patreon.com/thehistoryguy
Ian Bradshaw's "The Twickenham streaker" is posted on his page here: www.ianbradshaw.com/personal/
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
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[@AndySmith-gg5fp]

When I joined the Norfolk Constabulary in 1982 they couldn't find a custodian to fit my head. Eventually they located a previous version which was being used to prop up a shelf in Stores and promised to get me a current style asap. I was injured on duty in 1988 and when I handed my uniform back in 1989 I handed back this original helmet after never getting my promised replacement. One advantage though was that a portion of fish and chips fitted neatly inside my rather large helmet.

[@blackcountryme]

A copper stopped us when we were kids, we were kicking a traffic cone around a carpark, he made us pick up all the little and then he extracted a park on NO:6 tipped cigarettes from his helmet, along with a lighted from his pocket and hled the fake in his fist hidden, like soldiers did/do? When on guard. He put the hat on my head, which put me in the dark... Proper copper's. He got the health centre to let us wash our hands, and for picking up the litter we got a lolly from the front desk.. 🤣

[@battalion151R]

One of my firefighters, had a large enough head, that they had to order him, an oversized helmet. We always felt sorry, for his mom.

[@neiltappenden1008]

Always wondered what you kept in there

[@51WCDodge]

@@neiltappenden1008 in theory a pregant women can pee in the helmet.

[@PolizeiPaul]

That's a new one, I was told the story of a East German cop sometimes carrying a sandwich in his gun holster vs his Makarov cause he lived in a peaceful city with little to no crime but never heard of a Bobbie stuffing fish and chips in his bell XD.

[@edwardwells7236]

I served 20 years with the Sheriff’s Department and after I retired I taught college classes. I used to teach the evolution of policing and I really enjoyed your presentation and the “hat”. Thank you for your work and the wonderful way you presented this material. My hat is off to you.

[@CoxJoxSox]

Good to see someone respectful of copyright and intellectual property in a world where too much is stolen freely.

[@paulthomas8262]

I agree though the term 'Intellectual property' is very modern. Historically Patents, Copyright, and Trademarks were not called intellectual property till quite recently. It was always understood that it was a protection rather than a fundamental/derivative right, and it is not the same as property law. In fact the original name for patents in England was the King's Monopolies. While they did become fairer since, it is still due some reform and far from a perfect system open to abuse.

[@Momo_Kawashima]

You'd better not try to steal things while talking about bobbys

[@BeejJorgensen]

The "it was a cold day" quip had me laughing out loud. :)

[@Dustyroo500]

I am a History Guy Patreon. Although I get enjoyment out of his Patreon exclusive content, I get more enjoyment knowing I'm helping to support his very well made content. It's history that deserves to be supported ;)

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Here! Here! Well said sir

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

Thsnk you! Broke fan here.

[@petemulhearn7787]

When I left the Police force 20 years ago I was presented with my helmet, truncheon and whistle as a leaving present. Still have them displayed on a shelf in my house.

[@bobbailey7024]

I kept one pair of epaulettes and had to pay £1 for my truncheon - which had been replaced by then by the ASP.

[@Zakalwe-01]

Excellent as ever! As a Scot, the Custodian Helmet always makes England seem a little bit exotic whenever I venture over the Wall 😁

[@MostlyPennyCat]

For us it's the deep fried pizza and impenetrable language. Strange foreign fayre served by incomprehensible men

[@TheRealRedRooster]

Don't mention the war^Hll! ;-)

[@theowyman6594]

please research the history of the St. Louis Metropolitan police departmentThe first to use finger print evidence to solve crime in the us.

[@homertalk]

England Is going Islamic. That Helmet will fit right in with a crescent moon on it.

[@cammiemck634]

I B Ahh a fellow Scot

[@HoH]

The helmet looks good on you! These videos about your hats/helmet collection never cease to amaze.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Also, THG's collection of Helmets & Hats is an easier & safer collection of memorabilia, when compared to uniforms that eventually fall apart, or metal objects like guns, which require having them welded to be non-functioning, etc....

[@LickMyRainbow77]

“ ‘Ello ello ello, what’s all this then?” -official motto of Scotland Yard....probably

[@PaulLemars01]

Right along with "Awright son, your nicked."

[@Legitpenguins99]

@@PaulLemars01 what at "oi, ya got a loicense for that (blank)?

[@vilstef6988]

NYC version: Move along, Johnny-nothing to see here.

[@vilstef6988]

It's a parrot-a dead one! Lovely plumage the Norwegian Blue!

[@Holammer]

Found the streaking image mentioned, there's a lot of laughing and smiles on display so everyone had a good time.

[@tommyfred6180]

I remember it happening it was on GrandStand and the Sun did a full sized photo page one the next day. apparently the beak he came up in front of was struggling not to laugh. no one took it very seriously. the last guy the tried to streak at a rugby game got six months. that was just this winter. times have changed and not for the better.

[@opheliabawles9646]

@@tommyfred6180 Seriously, six months for streaking?

[@chocolatechip12]

Also frequently worn by Graham Chapman.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

That is something completely different :-)

[@diverdownaaron]

Come, now. You're just being silly!

[@benjaminbellamy7207]

TIGER?, Where, where!

[@clark9992]

Funny, it's John Cleese that comes to mind for me.

[@linda1lee2]

No one expects the Spanish Custodian hat!

[@rogerwhittle2078]

Thank you for that one History Guy, another minor triumph among many. As a Brit, I have taken the British 'Bobby's Helmet' for granted, it is so familiar to me. I never knew its history and always assumed it derived from the colonial 'Pith Helmet', which you explained not long ago. The truth is more interesting. Thank you again for your international interest and appreciation of the rest of the world.

[@markclawrie007]

I've been avidly following the History Guy for several months now, and always get a little excited by British topics... but as a serving Police Officer in London - this has really made my day!

[@Halli50]

I loved the quip "It was a cold day, he had nothing to be proud of", probably meaning that his normally proud tackle more resembled a wart. Typical understated British humour.

[@theMemo-1]

It was a cold day and he had nothing to be proud of! HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@rogerwhittle2078]

Yes! I chuckled out loud at that!

[@Tmrfe0962]

Damn Irish Curse....

[@niranthbanks3595]

Savage, that.

[@brianjonker510]

This ought to be pinned at the top

[@shawngilliland243]

@The Memo - that cracked me up, too!

[@ytucharliesierra]

The spike of the pickelhaube is a remnant from times horse soldiers fought with sabers and the like. It was supposed to deflect vertical downward blows with the saber from the foe.

[@blamb42]

A Custodian Helmet also makes a great souvenir during the drunken revels after a great sporting victory. Just ask Bertie Wooster.

[@danconrad920]

See? I was expecting you to say how good of a puke bucket it made

[@historytales202]

I saw you speak at McKendree last night! I was was the kid in the front and to your left wearing the red adidas jacket. You talked about some interesting stuff! Keep up the good work!

[@canuckled]

Peel Region in Ontario is named after Sir Robert Peel, who's also considered the founder of Canadian policing. Another great video, thanks

[@britwokay8577]

Your "hat tricks" are some of my favorite videos, History Guy! Becoming a patron was one of the best moves I've made this year. Thanks for giving us the 411 on this iconic piece of head gear. Very informative and not at all pithy. 10/10 makes quite the topper!

[@johnkelley9877]

I had always wondered how the Custodian Helmet came about and I can see how closely it resembles the pith helmet. Thanks for sharing this very interesting piece of history.

[@richbarr5959]

I take it Mr. O’Brien didn't need the full length of the helmet.

[@ravex24]

I think the chinstrap might have been sufficient.

[@jmeyer3rn]

Rich Barr I don’t normally say this: LOL!!!!

[@RyanHorseHelmet]

I love these hat episodes and really should become a Patreon when I get a new job. Good morning. Love the timing of these videos coinciding with my coffee.

[@kmlammto]

I am right there with you. New job then I can afford to join too.

[@mzeewatk846]

Ryan Howell ... I'm good with patreonizing, but I still can't help patronizing the bow-tie, just a wee bit. :)

[@doonsbury9656]

What an arresting sight the History Guy made in his Custodian helmet! And what a fascinating story behind that venerable piece of historic headgear! I'll "Come quietly" Mr History Guy....to watch your always entertaining videos on slices of Historic interest.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

I gave you a "like". I Always love a good pun. And the bad ones too. That's just how eye roll. ;-)

[@JohnJohnson-qaz123]

Once again thank you so much for your program

[@bainfinch]

Should make a 'hat of history to be remembered' playlist.

[@tarancraw7447]

Yet another informative and entertaining snippet of the past from History Guy. Thank you and Cheers. And ... since you are so close to 300k subs and there's any chance I'll miss it ... Congrats HG and behind-the-scenes-crew. Thoroughly deserved and looking forward to hitting the magic 1 mil mark. It will be so ... again, Cheers.

[@timeflysintheshop]

Another triumph for the history guy. Only you can make a hat story so interesting that I am sorry when it ends.

[@vilstef6988]

Thanks, History Guy-you have great & enjoyable content!

[@JJ-of1ir]

Thank you for this video. I watched it over on Mark from the States channel and really enjoyed discovering the history of our Bobbies helmet which - I realise - I have always taken for granted until today. I think they still look very smart even after so many years.

[@dhession64]

Another great video, sir. The pith helmet resemblance struck me right away, but what jumped out at me was Sir Robert Peele's influence on British slang for the constables: not only have they been called "bobbies" but "peelers" as well, and I wondered where the latter originated. Question answered. You da man, HG. Keep up the good work, sir, and thank you.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Yes, botht the names "Bobby" and "Peeler" referred to Sir Robert Peel. "Peeler" is more used as a derogatory term.

[@dhession64]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel forgive me, I should've mentioned that as well (and I spelled his last name with an extra "E" due to ignorance. I apologize.

[@marbleman52]

That crest at the top of the helmet that H.G. showed us looks like it would be a good place to modify just a bit and put one of the small LED 'torches' there, so the Bobby wouldn't have to hold it in his hand.

[@elcastorgrande]

Also a GoPro.

[@Nickzinke93]

awesome videos! Ive always loved history and you have a really appealing way of presenting the information. Keep up the good work! Ill keep watching!

[@thomasnettleton289]

A GREAT episode! Thanks!

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

You always deliver on your videos! This was very interesting! Thanks for your wonderful channel!

[@roberthalaska3030]

you are doing a marvelous job, I really enjoy your history stories.

[@timrockman7]

Another excellent presentation!

[@imbetterthanyouis]

oh yes they call him the streak , boogity boogity , fastest thing on 2 feet , boogity boogity , hes just as proud as he can be , with his anatomy he gone a give us a peek !

[@juliao1255]

That was such a fun bit of history to learn about!

[@JonSkinner1944]

First off, absolutely brilliant! Second, British police are by far most intimidating police in the world. However, they are very compassionate. For instance, in Northern England in a town called Halt- whistle in the autumn of 2013 my father and I attempting to walked all 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall. We arrived into Haltwhistle and there wasn’t any vacant rooms at hotels or B&B it was about 10pm my father flagged down two officers. And explains our situation to the police officers. They advised us stay put and reassured us that they would provide help. About 20 minutes come back told us to get their patrol vehicle with our rucksack. Ironically, both of them were PC Nick. The police order us used the sea belts, and I don’t I e ever put a seatbelt so quickly. Finally, dropped us off at a cottage in countryside for a £100. The inn keeper very helpful too. Finally, I’ve have much respect for British police! P.S. Another Item of British police equipment I find fascinating is Acme police whistle, in which, are made in England.

[@terrystephens1102]

Another informative and entertaining presentation, thanks.

[@davidmeyer3795]

Saw your talk last night. Just wanted to congratulate you on a great job

[@normanboyes4983]

Quite excellent. How about one about Royal Navy sailor hats?

[@robertwilson3914]

Very informative and illustrative!

[@LoveBristol]

Another brilliant video by The History Guy. However there is a slight inaccuracy towards the end. You said "39 of the 43 standard forces of the Metropolitan Police district." The Metropolitan Police force is just one of the 43 forces of England. The other forces are not part of the Metropolitan Police. There are also two other standard forces in the UK: PSNI (Police Service Northern Island) and Police Scotland. There are three non-geographic, special forces: BTP (British Transport Police), MOD Police (Ministry of Defence) and the Civil Nuclear Police Force.

[@healthent]

Yes! Perfect release time, just when I get home from work. Keep it up!

[@RyanHorseHelmet]

Just when you get home from work... For me, it is the exact opposite! Always an hour or so before I leave for work.

[@DanGoodShotHD]

Fantastic video as always. The best part was at the end when you put it on.😀

[@Otokichi786]

Forgive my provincialism, but when the word "Custodian" comes up, the image of a public school janitor comes to mind.;)

[@colinp2238]

The early Met were also nicknamed Peelers, again from Robert Peel.

[@diverdownaaron]

Woah, "peelers". There's a word that aquired a completely new connotation in the late 20th century.

[@colinp2238]

@@diverdownaaron I haven't a clue what you mean but if you read my comment you will notice that it has nothing to do with the early 20th century.

[@diverdownaaron]

@@colinp2238 Hello, Mr. Paterson. I suppose that I was, most broadly, illustrating how language, generally, and slang in particular morphs and mutates over time. Then, at a more, ah, um, oh... granular level, I thought that I might have intimated the subtley dicotomous shift in the meaning of the word "peeler" that took place between the early 19th century and the mid-late 20th century (although, in truth, it really does retain BOTH connotations). Having a fairly dry wit, as I do, I found a small nugget of humor, here. But, as I mentioned, it is subtle. And, it is probably not going to be noticed by people who take themselves a little TOO seriously. In this attempt, I clearly failed you. And, for that, I apologize.

[@diverdownaaron]

Or, to put it another way: hey I amused myself, anyway.

[@colinp2238]

@@diverdownaaron Spouting BS basically?

[@sameyers2670]

Fascinating as always, thank you History Guy

[@shawngilliland243]

History Guy, you did appear larger and more authoritative when you donned your custodian helmet toward the end of your video. And I well remember seeing that famous photo of the "streaker" with the constable holding his capacious helmet over the streaker's wedding tackle.

[@jesseseven301]

Jolly good episode!

[@Sauske2101]

The helmet is definitely a brilliant addition to your archive. Bravo good sir!:)

[@einarbolstad8150]

Such an iconic piece of kit, and good looking too. Always a pleasure to see a PC wearing it when I'm visiting.

[@Richbrick48]

So much history in something as simple as a hat

[@surlygirly1926]

Ahh ... what a nostalgic blast from the past ... streaking. I did as The History Guy suggested, and searched for photos. May I say that - in at least one photo, Mr. O'Brien's 'bits' were not fully covered - and not a pretty sight ... Question: When and why did the British police force incorporate the checkered trim on their head gear? I like it - very crisp and distinctive. Leave it to Britain ... always so good at flash gear. 😉

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillitoe_Tartan Yet another piece of police history with roots in Scotland. (Edinburgh had a city wide professional police force 24 years before London.)

[@michelleeaton7955]

Very interesting. I am currently reading a book on the history and life of Queen Victoria. Peele is certainly a major person in the early part of the book, but it mentions nothing about this. Thank you for sharing, it could not have been better timing 😊😊😊.

[@JeffW77]

You look terrific in your Custodian Helmet! Thank you. I took a picture of a Bobby in Stratford in 1989--pic is lost. I also read a Michael Crichton novel where the bad guys referred to policemen as Peelers and Miltonians. Going from memory here. Thanks for all these wonderful essays.

[@QPRTokyo]

A simply wonderful video. Thank you.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

My hat’s off to you for this episode!

[@TheMartymar1976]

You can make the most mundane subject interesting and enjoyable! Well Done, Sir!

[@dlbstl]

As always, very interesting! I was all set to see you last night at McKendree College, but I got really sick and couldn't be there! I was so disappointed . Hope to catch you next time!

[@dleland71]

It is impossible watch one of your videos without learning something. You welcomed addition to my list and my Patronage.

[@davidbuschhorn6539]

You're this close ][ to 300,000 subscribers. :) Usually subscriber numbers explode as a channel approaches 80,000 subs so well done!

[@tomriley5790]

Thanks for this, a great episode. The helmet is so iconic another purpose it has is to make someone instantly recognisable (in the dark) as a police officer.

[@williamhill7312]

Great video and looks like a great Hat / Helmet collection!

[@jmeyer3rn]

Love love love it. Thinking of becoming a patron. Yours is a great bargain.

[@charlie418791]

Great episode. 👍

[@weldonwilson]

I'd like to suggest a couple of topics. The New London School explosion in 1937 and the Texas City disaster in 1947. Would love to hear you talk about these.

[@pantslizard]

"He's a Peeler, 716, come to arrest the Zulu's..."

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

That was Ferdinand Schiess. Awarded the Victoria Cross.

[@pantslizard]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel - Yes Sir, you are 100% Correct. Well Done Sir.

[@kcgoomba13]

Fantastic. Thank you!

[@emilinebest3241]

Love the hat series!

[@davedoyle6835]

Thank you guys&gals!

[@zell9058]

I love how I don’t think I will be interested in a video of yours only to be entertained and enthralled by the subject only 11 minutes and 23 seconds later!

[@drsonnysell4471]

Gratitude & Respect Professor!!

[@diverdownaaron]

Thank you, History Guy, for another very interesting few minutes. As much as I love history, I also love tradition that is not destructive (though, to be completely honest, I am a United States Marine. And there are certain destructive traditions that I like very much, too.). How could one not love the British tradition of understatement. May the sun, indeed, never set on the British Empire.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

If you count all of the commonwealth countries and 14 overseas territories the sun indeed never sets on the British Empire. I am truly blessed that I am a citizen of both the U.K. and the USA holding passports from both countries. I’m a “Dual National” and so is my son.

[@Rmasters33]

I have read the pickelhaube spike is not just a decorative part, but originally was added to deflect saber blows.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Rmasters33 another viewer mentioned that as well. I believe it to be a myth. The spike was often removed when the helmet was taken into combat, and its design would actually deflect a blade down towards the head. The pickelhaube replaced, largely, the shako, which was designed to make troops appear taller. The design and use of the pickelhaube suggest the spike had the same purpose. On parade, it would attach a horsehair plume.

[@jtbell2408]

Well Done! The Peale Model is the basis for modern police departments here in the USA. I served for 37 years in a large city PD here in the States. Loved the posing of the Officers with the Truncheon. That is a recipe for a lawsuit these days.

[@groermaik]

I love all your hats.

[@bj052088meyers]

So Cool! Thank You again.

[@jonathanguisinger3395]

There was a Belgium version of the spiked helmet that was similar in shape to the custodian helment and that of the African helmet. Of course the 1880s US Army spiked helmet was based on the Belgium design with a US eagle emblem on it

[@michaeljames4904]

It certainly seems a co-evolution with the Foreign Service (or Pith) Helmet, especially the narrowed to a point front brim, which keeps the sun from the eyes. Truncheons were originally concealed on the policeman’s person not brandished and made of the now rare lignum vitae, one of the few woods so dense it sinks in water. If the helmet were knocked away however the truncheon still served as the ultimate authority of the “Peeler” and was emblazoned with his warrant to act on behalf of the Crown.

[@ryandavis7593]

Reading the comments of your very congenial audience is often as entertaining as you are informative. Hat's off to you all.

[@leeboy26]

5.07 -I think we can add Andy Serkis to the list of celebrity immortals...

[@r.a.monigold9789]

Hats off to ya, sir! Thanks for sharing...

[@Weird600]

Great to see a picture of the "Bird Cage" in Downtown Hamilton Bermuda @ 7:47 --- Use to live just down the street from it for many years!!!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The Keystone Cops would be a great topic. I was going to suggest it in the past but I forgot until now!

[@miguelencanarias]

"It was a cold day. He had nothing to be proud of" That had me rolling on the floor.

[@danielgabalski2312]

This was excellent.

[@scooterdad5993]

What a great place for history I never learned in school. Do more hat history. Love hats.

[@drzarkov39]

In the British television series, "Jeeves And Wooster", based on characters by P. G. Wodehouse in the 1920s and 30s, a popular prank of the day was to steal a policeman's helmet while he was still wearing it.

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day History Guy, Thank you for this interesting video (as usual). In 'the Met', 'Bobbies' hats and the officers that wear them are often referred to as 'Wooden Tops'. Sometimes in a derogitory sense by detectives but mostly as a term of mild endearment. I'm in my 60s and I used to live in Melbourne, Australia. The Victorian Police Force there wore peaked caps in my memory but in summer police, especially those on traffic point duty would wear white pith helmets of the classical shape, similar to the USMC pith helmets. Sadly, 'wooden tops' were phased out of Australian police forces many years ago and now all forces here wear military style peaked caps and, even worse, ball caps. They just don't have the imposing presence of their brother officers from decades ago. Another great video. Cheers, BH

[@JDJLalor]

That's an interesting point. I've heard that the use of the cork helmet lead to police officers being called woodentops in England as well.

[@allwinds3786]

I looked up the picture 😂😂😂 thanks for bringing a smile to my day.

[@alexhayden2303]

Dixon of Dock Green (Full Episode) "Eye Witness" 1973 HD

[@drsonnysell4471]

Proud regular sponsor of your program...

[@Dougiemort]

The streaking phenom started long before 1974, streaking was popular on college campus's, where it probably got started, in the fall of 1973 and in March of 1974, as a senior in high school, two of my fellow seniors "streaked" a student assembly, creating an uproar that could be heard for blocks. Like all good streakers, their faces were the only part covered and while I laughed with the rest, I had the unfortunate outcome of being assumed one of the two daring duo. As with most things high school, my pals didn't get away with it and were caught, along with the get away driver, cleverly parked outside the backdoor of the gym. At any rate, streaking did not start at a british football game.

[@pommunist]

streaking on live television however.......

[@Dougiemort]

@@pommunist On live TV at a soccer game... in 1974, you wouldn't have even known he was naked!

[@pommunist]

@@Dougiemort It was a rugby union international Ireland vs England , the Australian streaker, William O'Brien, probably wasn't there to support the poms.

[@pommunist]

@@Dougiemort Actually, google Erika Roe, you'll some pictures of a couple of very happy policemen.

[@Dougiemort]

@@pommunist Are you missing a part of your brain? The point is streaking was around long 1974, nobody gives a shit about William o'brien, erica roe or poms and just because you can google a pic doesn't mean anything! Good grief, man.

[@rdhunkins]

I'm reminded of the Monty Python skit with a police constable sitting on London Bridge in an easy chair talking about helmets and stealing people's lunches and beer from shops.

[@jettfan64]

Your segments are great. I've been enjoying them for almost a year now. Was wondering if you could do something in the future. I've heard the term Jacobite mentioned a few times in historical movies or tv series, most recently in the series Black Sails. Would you be able to fill us in on that in one of your segments?

[@roberthogue5138]

History guy, you are a treasure. Should be on the (so called) history channel. Keep up the great work!

[@cadman10000]

Sgt. Reckless had a Custodian Helmet also, but she ate it.