Manchester Police Museum

The Manchester Police Museum is a captivating heritage site housed in a restored Victorian police station, offering a vivid glimpse into the evolution of law enforcement in the city.

Located at 57A Newton Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the museum occupies the former Newton Street Police Station, which operated from 1879 to 1979 before being transformed into a museum in 1981. This Grade II listed building retains much of its original architecture and atmosphere, immersing visitors in the gritty realities of Victorian policing.

🕵️ What You'll Discover Inside
Authentic Victorian-era cells and charge office: Visitors can step into the preserved custody suite and imagine the daily routines of officers and detainees from over a century ago.

Historic uniforms, truncheons, and memorabilia: Exhibits trace the development of police gear and methods, from early beat patrols to modern-day policing.

The ‘weapon room’: A sobering collection of confiscated items and artefacts related to notorious events like the Strangeways prison riots.

Archival materials and photographs: These document the social history of Manchester’s law enforcement, including its role during wartime and civil unrest.

🏛️ Educational and Cultural Value
The museum not only showcases the tools and techniques of policing but also reflects broader societal changes—such as the impact of the Representation of the People Act, which expanded voting rights in 1918. It’s a space where history, justice, and community intersect.