Sign in

Rupert Matthews

@rupertmatthews.bsky.social
89 followers 31 following 1.2K posts

I am an historian who is currently ReformUK Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Keen on history & breakfast. This a personal account which contains my own views not the official account of the Police nor of the OPCC.

PostsRepliesMedia
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
On October 8, 1871, a cow belonging to Mrs Catherine O’Leary kicked a lantern into a pile of straw. The resulting fire consumed the O'Leary barn at 137 DeKoven Street, Chicago - and then most of the city, killing 300 people & making 100,000 homeless. education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chi...
education.nationalgeographic.org
The Chicago Fire of 1871 and the 'Great Rebuilding'
Article on the 140th anniversary of the Chicago Fire focusing on city planning and the "Great Rebuilding."
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
On this day in 1939 was born the Australian journalist and broadcaster Clive James. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_J...
en.m.wikipedia.org
Clive James - Wikipedia
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
On October 5 1914, French pilot Sgt. Joseph Frantz and his gunner, Louis Quénault, shot down a German biplane near Reims to record what is considered the first official aerial combat victory. www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-ma...
smithsonianmag.com
The First Aerial Combat Victory
Airplane vs. airplane over France in 1914
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
4 October: The Orient Express first ran on this day in 1883 from Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul). It famously featured in an Agatha Christie novel. The original rail route ceased in 1977, but a variation has been revived. www.greatrail.com/trains/venic...
greatrail.com
Venice Simplon Orient Express – Information & Tours | Great Rail Journeys
Join Great Rail Journeys for a luxurious adventure aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Enjoy the spectacular cities of Paris, Venice and Milan in style.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has branded the government’s early release of prison a "dilution of justice". www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/crime/l...
harboroughmail.co.uk
Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner slams early prisoner release
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has branded the government’s early release of prison a "dilution of justice".
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
For the economy to thrive, jobs market to grow and people to become financially secure we need polices to allow businesses to thrive through low costs & light-touch regulation. But Labour don't have a clue. Vote @reformparty_uk for a more prosperous #Leicester & UK 🇬🇧
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
On this day in 1951 took place the Battle of Maryang San, part of the Korean War. A small Australian 🇦🇺 force drove back a Chinese army about five times as strong in what is widely considered the finest Australian achievement of that war. www.awm.gov.au/articles/enc...
awm.gov.au
Battle for Maryang San | Australian War Memorial
In early October 1951, 3RAR (3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment), in conjunction with British Commonwealth troops, attacked a group of hills near the Imjin River. The attack was named after the biggest of these hills and became known as the battle for Maryang San or “Operation Commando”.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Funding boost announced to support victims of early prisoner release £195k secured to deliver targeted intervention and safety measures www.hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hit...
hellorayo.co.uk
Funding boost announced to support victims of early prisoner release
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews has secured £195,000 to...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I am proud to endorse the new report "Making Space for Justice - A Plan to Solve the Prison Capacity Crisis" by the Prosperity Institute. rupertmatthews.org.uk/news/82187d8...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Police & Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured an additional £195,000 to strengthen vital support services for victims impacted by the Government’s early release scheme, helping provide the information and specialist assistance they need. rupertmatthews.org.uk/news/8ab6f1e...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
My best wishes to all Yellow Bellies today on #LincolnshireDay
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Democracy has been destroyed in Britain 🇬🇧 by successive Labour and Conservative governments stripping power away our democratically elected Parliament and handing it to unelected, unaccountable officials. Restore Democracy! Vote @reformparty_uk #Thetford
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
On this day in 1945 an overnight sleeper express jumped the rails at Bourne End in Hertfordshire, resulting in the deaths of 43 people, including the driver. Ambiguous signals & driver fatigue may have been to blame. www.hemeltoday.co.uk/heritage-and...
hemeltoday.co.uk
The Bourne End Rail Crash; A Forgotten Tragedy
78 years ago, less than six months after VE Day, more lives were claimed by a now-forgotten tragedy.
001
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New funding boost unveiled by PCC to support community action against Neighbourhood Crime Police & Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced fresh funding to power community efforts to fight back against crime and improve feelings of safety. rupertmatthews.org.uk/news/1ca93b9...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
On 29 September two aircraft flying over Brocklesby, New South Wales, collided and became locked together - but continued flying and landed safely. www.thevintagenews.com/2018/05/18/1...
thevintagenews.com
In 1940 two twin-engine airplanes collided mid-air--interlocked, they flew for five miles and landed safely | The Vintage News
In what surely is one of the most bizarre flying incidents ever to have occurred, two British Avro Anson bomber airplanes doing cross-country practice
121
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This afternoon I attended the opening of the New Parks Hub #Leicester new outdoor leisure area - a great facility for the local community. Thanks go to Samworth Brothers and all involved.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
English privateer Francis Drake returned to Plymouth after a three year voyage around the world on 26 September in 1580. Queen Elizabeth I knighted him for his exploits. www.loc.gov/collections/...
loc.gov
The Famous Voyage: The Circumnavigation of the World 1577 to 1580 | Sir Francis Drake: A Pictorial Biography by Hans P. Kraus | Articles and Essays | Sir Francis Drake (Kraus Collection) | Digital Col...
Drake was noted in his life for one daring feat after another; his greatest was his circumnavigation of the earth, the first after Magellan's. He sailed from Plymouth on Dec. 13, 1577. The squadron co...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
On this date in 1764 was born Fletcher Christian, who led the Mutiny on the Bounty in hopes of leading an idyllic life, but who came to a sticky end. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletche...
en.m.wikipedia.org
Fletcher Christian - Wikipedia
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Great to meet so many old friends & make so many new ones at Leicestershire police #intercultural evening today. My thanks to all involved
001
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
King Sihanouk was restored to the throne of Cambodia 🇰🇭 on this day in 1993 after an exile lasting 23 years. Overthrown by a military coup, he returned to found a quasi-democratic constitution. amp.theguardian.com/world/2012/o...
amp.theguardian.com
King Norodom Sihanouk obituary
Cambodian monarch who offered the prospect of continuity, but subverted the growth of democracy
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Gaius Octavius Caesar - generally known by his title Augustus - was born on this day in 63BC. As the first emperor of Rome, restored peace and prosperity to the Roman state and changed nearly every aspect of Roman life. education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/cae...
education.nationalgeographic.org
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I was recently interviewed by @jeremyball3 of @bbcemt about the lack of govt action over the Review into the 2022 #Leicester disorder and the impact that is having on the efforts being made to avoid future troubles. Watch it here: wetransfer.com/downloads/cd...
wetransfer.com
2026.09.17.disorder.investigation.mov
1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
At the weekend I was delighted to help present awards at the #Hinckley Car Show to some worthy winners. My thanks to the excellent hinckley Bid for organising this splendid event.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#Blaby itself is the next stop on my #CommunityDay in the Blaby council area. And it reveals some good news!
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I’m now in #GlenParva during my #CommunityDay in the #Blaby area. What have I discovered from talking to local residents & business owners?
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I’m now in #GlenParva during my #CommunityDay in the #Blaby area. What have I discovered from talking to local residents & business owners?
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Meeting with Inspector Allingham (Blaby NPA Commander) to install one of the PCC-funded warning signs deterring vehicle related ASB such as car cruising, nuisance motorbikes and illegal e-bikes & e-scooters. At Grove Park, Enderby - one of the area’s hotspots for car meets.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A cracking start to my #communityday in #Blaby area at the Corner Cafe in #Enderby.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
War Memorial Monday Back in 1944 Grafton Underwood was the home of a massive American military base. Today there is a fine memorial to the Americans, and a colourful stained glass window in the church. www.blogger.com/blog/posts/5...
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Should an incoming @reformparty_uk government concentrate on a few large scale #infrastructure projects, or a bigger number of smaller "bottleneck clearing" schemes? Whichever it chooses, infrastructure is vital to economic growth.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
My review of the history book "Battle of the Arctic: The Epic Story of World War Two Amongst the Ice" by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore Spoiler "This magnificent book does full justice to the men who suffered and fought in the frozen oceans." www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Shiver me timbers. 🏴‍☠️ talklikeapirate.com/wordpress/
talklikeapirate.com
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I’ve just popped into the #Caribbean Corner Cafe at #Highfields Centre in #Leicester. Thoroughly recommend it.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
PCC funds free security tech to prevent rural crime High-tech surveillance cameras and specialist data tagging technology have been distributed to farmers and rural businesses free of charge across Melton and Lutterworth to curb rural crime. @nfutweets rupertmatthews.org.uk/news/2a361ef...
rupertmatthews.org.uk
Rupert Matthews | Reform Party
Official website of Rupert Matthews, Reform Party politician. Find news, press releases, manifesto, and contact information.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Meanwhile, #Leicester never ceases to be an interesting city. Walking back from a meeting with a councillor I come across #Ganesh bring enthroned - part of Ganesh #Chaturthi festival.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Not sure what to do this weekend? Go to the #seaside! Ice creams, paddling, rock pooling, fish'n'chips - Its great! And this might be your last chance before the autumn weather closes in. #Mablethorpe
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Nestled in the New Forest, Brockenhurst as a touching war memorial and 93 New Zealand graves where lie soldiers who died so many thousands of miles away from home. www.blogger.com/blog/post/ed... #WarMemorilMonday
blogger.com
Blogger
Weblog publishing tool from Google, for sharing text, photos and video.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The PCC helping to make homes more secure with free security devices More than 450 free home security devices have been distributed to residents through Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthew's Prevent and Protect scheme. www.leicestermedia.online/post/the-ppc...
leicestermedia.online
The PCC helping to make homes more secure with free security devices
More than 450 free home security devices have been distributed to residents through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Prevent and Protect scheme across two successful collection events.Held in Lough...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
PCC Rupert Matthews Secures Market Town Patrols Agreement with Chief Constable Leicestershire Police & Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured enhanced police patrols for market towns, delivering on a key commitment to residents. www.leicestermedia.online/post/pcc-rup...
leicestermedia.online
PCC Rupert Matthews Secures Market Town Patrols Agreement with Chief Constable
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has now secured enhanced police patrols for market towns across Leicestershire, delivering on a key commitment to re...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’ve just had a great meeting with @MeltonBid to discuss the great crime prevention work they are doing in #MeltonMowbray. Prevention is better than cure. More details to follow when I’ve had time to type up my notes.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
PCC Rupert Matthews Secures Market Town Patrols Agreement with Chief Constable By December, Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch will benefit from additional police patrols rupertmatthews.org.uk/news/476eca2...
rupertmatthews.org.uk
Rupert Matthews | Reform Party
Official website of Rupert Matthews, Reform Party politician. Find news, press releases, manifesto, and contact information.
001
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#MemorialMonday: Standing alone amid the unmown grass of #Leicester's Welford Road cemetery is this @CWGC grave containing the mortal remains of Gunner JS Williams of the Surrey Searchlight Regiment who died here on 24 December 1940. The regiment was headquartered in Gainsborough
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Yesterday I helped to award medals and trophies to the youth football team at Golden Token in the Rowlatts Hill area of #Leicester. This is a fantastic youth club helping local youngsters, which works in conjunction with AAA Foundation. Great to hear about their joint plans.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Today I visited #Leicester's @JainCentre to meet with two nuns on a formal mission from #Bihar, #India and to learn more about this vibrant community in our city.
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
My thanks to Shrijanshil Leicester-Nepal charity for organising this morning’s moving ceremony outside the Town Hall in memory of the flood victims in Nepal. With ShivaniRaja_LE MP, Cllr Bhupen Dave, Cllr Kylwinder Johan & others.
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
3 September Britain 🇬🇧 declared war on Germany on this date #otd in 1939 after Germany had invaded Britain m’s ally Poland 🇵🇱 two days earlier. My father walked to the army recruiting office to join up, but it was closed (it was Sunday). webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/202506...
webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The great @ASI has published a graphic novel version of Adam Smith's seminal work "The Wealth of Nations" designed to strip away the complexity, making these world-changing concepts accessible and engaging for a new generation of readers. www.adamsmith.org/books/previe...
010
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Fought on 1 September 1644, the Battle of #Tippermuir was the first in Montrose's great run of victories. Outnumbered by more than two to one, he routed Lord Elcho's poorly trained troops just outside Perth, and went on to occupy the city. #otd portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/...
portal.historicenvironment.scot
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
31 August On this day in 1997, Princess Diana of Wales was killed in a car crash in the Place de l'Alma underpass in central Paris. After a funeral service at Westminster Abbey she was buried at her family estate of Althorp. www.royal.uk/diana-prince...
royal.uk
Diana, Princess of Wales
The late Diana, Princess of Wales was born The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer on 1 July 1961 in Norfolk. She received the style Lady Diana Spencer in 1975...
000
Rupert Matthews @rupertmatthews.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Yesterday afternoon I attended a “Don't Tolerate the Hate” Community Workshop organised by the Dialogue Society with x-ellent.com It was absolutely fascinating. @DialogueSociety
100