In the basement of Brighton Town Hall, you will find the Old Police Cells Museum. This free museum offers a glimpse into the history of Sussex Police, showing how different law enforcement used to be in the earlier days.
The museum features dimly lit cells with graffiti from the Mods and Rockers eras, as well as police officers’ washrooms and uniform storage areas. Beyond this, there are many exhibitions you can see, with one being a memorial to Chief Constable Henry Solomon, who was tragically murdered by a prisoner in 1844.
In addition, the museum has a remarkable collection of truncheons and tipstaves. This unique collection, one of the largest in the country, was assembled by Alderman Caffyn throughout his lifetime and is on permanent loan to the museum from the Sussex Police Authority.
The museum is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, with guided tours available at specific times. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, taking in the exhibits and learning about the rich history of Sussex Police. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the guided tours are run by knowledgeable museum staff.
Address: Town Hall, Brighton, BN1 1JA
