Old Police Cells Museum

About

Located beneath Brighton Town Hall in the heart of the city, the Old Police Cells Museum offers a unique and informative journey into Sussex’s policing past. Set within the original basement cells of Brighton’s former police station (in use from the 1830s to 1967), the museum provides a rare opportunity to step inside a historic custody environment and experience over 180 years of crime and law enforcement history in the county.

Visitors explore a series of atmospheric Victorian-era cells, many still bearing authentic graffiti from prisoners, including markings from the infamous Mods and Rockers clashes of the 1960s. The site also preserves original operational spaces such as the charge room, washroom, and uniform store, bringing to life the day-to-day realities of policing in a bygone era.

One of the museum’s most compelling stories is the murder of Brighton’s first Chief Constable, Henry Solomon, who was killed on site by a prisoner in 1844, which that adds a powerful human dimension to the experience.

The museum houses an extensive collection of policing artefacts, including uniforms, equipment, and one of the UK’s largest collections of truncheons and tipstaffs. Together, these exhibits chart the evolution of policing in Sussex from its early beginnings through to the modern era.

Visits are by guided tour only, led by knowledgeable volunteers and former police officers who provide engaging, first-hand insight and storytelling. Tours typically last around an hour and offer a fascinating, educational, and often surprising look at how policing, and society, has changed over time.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors alike, the Old Police Cells Museum is one of Brighton’s hidden gems, an unforgettable step back in time beneath the city streets.