The museum is housed in City Hall Bradford occupying space that was the former Bradford City Police Headquarters and site of a Victorian police station, incorporating historic detention cells. Museum visitors are also able to look round the Victorian courthouse. The museum recently acquired a historic police vehicle collection, comprising of two cars and five motorbikes, all ex-police vehicles.

 

The Bradford Police Museum opened to the public in 2014 and provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement and the development of crime and punishment in Bradford. It is situated on the site of the original 19th century police station in City Hall operational between 1874 and 1974 bringing together exhibits, documents and memorabilia covering the 125-year history of policing from the inception of the Bradford Borough Police force in the mid-19th century to the present day.

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Visitors to the museum can follow in the footsteps of Victorian prisoners during a guided tour of the original Victorian cells together with a visit to the beautifully preserved Victorian Court room. Then browse the museum collection in the gallery and learn more about Bradford policing firsts.

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Hear about the ghosts of City Hall and the experiences of historical figures and criminals from Bradford. Visit the cells used for filming Peaky Blinders and more. Could you escape from the Houdini cell? Complete your visit at our museum shop with bespoke museum gifts, books and memorabilia.