We present the results of K -band imaging polarimetry of three radio galaxies , including the very red and apparently old z = 1.55 galaxy 53W091 .
We find weak evidence for polarization in components of 3C 441 and in the south-east companion of 53W091 , but no evidence of significant polarization in 53W091 itself .
We also find strong evidence that MRC 0156 - 252 is unpolarised .
We present upper limits for the K -band polarization of all three sources .
For 53W091 , the lack of significant K -band polarization provides further confidence that its red R - K colour can be attributed to a mature stellar population , consistent with the detailed analyses of its ultraviolet spectral-energy distribution which indicate a minimum age of 2 - 3.5 Gyr .