The assortment of captivating exhibits in Bradford Police Museum traces the history and development of policing in the city. The museum is displayed in the Bradford City Hall, on the spot where the 19th-century police station stood for a century. Learn about the beginnings of the Bradford Borough Police Force and how it has changed over the decades.
Join a guided tour of the institution for greater detail and context. Docents will take you through the Victorian prison cells, allowing you to imagine the conditions for detainees. Many of those in prison were executed.
Enter the restored Victorian courtroom, where trials were held after its construction in 1873, determining the life-or-death fates of the prisoners. Today, it is used for film and television production. Chat with the guides about police-related topics, such as civic enforcement, criminal justice and the history of crime and punishment in the region.
The initial police station was located here from 1874 until 1974. Admire the collection of truncheons and other weapons used to fight crime in the borough. Study some of the old uniforms dating back to Victorian times on display here. A photography exhibition brings to life the rich history of the local police force.
Peruse the selection of books, calendars and other police-themed memorabilia in the gift shop. The museum is open for a few hours on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-March to late November. There is an admission fee, with discounts available for kids, seniors and families.
Bradford Police Museum, in Bradford City Hall, is on the eastern side of Centenary Square. Ride a bus to one of the stops in the city center or walk north for less than 5 minutes from the Bradford Interchange railway station. See other neighboring attractions, including the War Memorial, Alhambra Theatre and St. George’s Hall.
