Beat generation
Laughing Policeman’s great-great-great grandson joins force
LEGACY Dan in uniform with Tubby’s medal
THE great-great-great-grandson of England’s biggest bobby is following in his footsteps over a century later by joining the same force.
PC John William Stephens weighed 25 stone and was affectionately known as PC Tubby while pounding the beat in Leicester in the 1880s and 1890s
The local legend – who retired in 1902 and died in 1908, aged 48 – inspired the song The Laughing Policeman and local brewery Everards has named a beer after him.
Now, descendant Dan Challis will continue his policing legacy after quitting his IT job to join the same force. And he was stunned to learn more about PC Tubby after he put in his application.
He said: “I was destined for a career change and always had policing in my head. When my mum told me more about our ancestry after applying, I couldn’t believe he was such a well-known face.”
PC Tubby was in the force for 22 years after returning to England from Cape Verde, following service in the AngloZulu War in 1879. Dan, 22, who lives in Melton Mowbray, added: “He received a campaign medal. It has been passed down the family and I was proud to hold it while being sworn in.
“At 25 stone, he became a public figure while patrolling the clock tower in Leicester city centre.
“He was seen on postcards, in newspapers, and people travelling to Leicester to watch the football would seek him out to say they’d met him.
“When he died, thousands lined the streets for his funeral. I recall taking Tubby’s medal to show and tell in primary school, perhaps not realising he was such a big deal.
“Never did I think that one day I’d be following in his footsteps and holding that same medal on the day of my attestation.
“I’m the first in our family since him to join Leicestershire Police, so I hope I live up to the bar he’s set – although I don’t want to adopt his size.” Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “PC Tubby certainly made his mark in Leicestershire Police history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dan and have Tubby’s policing legacy live on.”
I hope I live up to the bar he’s set ... but not to adopt his size
DAN CHALLIS ON FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS