Robert Branford

Robert Branford (6 May 1820 – 14 August 1869) was a police officer in the Metropolitan Police in the 19th century. He is reputed to be the first black police officer in London.

Biography His mother was Hannah Branford, aged 18 and unmarried at the time of his birth. In later records, Branford listed his grandfather, Daniel Branford, as his stepfather. but it is speculated that he was a merchant sailor or dockworker in Ipswich. Branford married his wife Sarah Honey, daughter of Arthur Honey from Borden, Kent, on 12 January 1841 at Trinity Church. The couple remained childless.

Branford was posted to Stone's End Police Station, near Borough High Street. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1846, and then inspector in 1851. By 1856 he was recorded as Superintendent of M Division, covering what is now Southwark. Branford was also commended for his performance by a magistrate at Southwark Court. Throughout his career, Branford moved to Weston Place, Bermondsey with his wife, later sharing a residence in Rotherhithe with another constable before relocating to Brunswick Street, Newington. Until 2023,