The City of London has had its own police force since 1839, operating independently of the Metropolitan Police that operates elsewhere in London. This interesting museum features displays showing the work of this small, but important, police force.
What to see at the City of London Police Museum
The City of London Police Museum has interesting exhibits showing the work of this police force with displays detailing some of the more interesting cases as well as challenges facing the police today.
The museum’s exhibit about Jack the Ripper is much better than what you find at the Jack the Ripper Museum (this museum’s exhibits are more tasteful and more respectful of the victims). This exhibit shows a hologram of Catherine Eddowes when she was kept in a cell at Bishopsgate police station for drunkenness (Catherine became a victim of Jack the Ripper just 40 minutes after being released).
During the 20th century, the City of London (along with the rest of the capital) was rocked by the Blitz and there is a short film showing photos of Blitz damage taken by police officers Arthur Cross and Fred Tibbs.
There is also an interactive display where you can take a test to determine how good you are at recognising faces in a police line-up.
One of the museum’s more quirky exhibits is the Olympic gold medal won by Great Britain at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, for tug of war. Great Britain’s tug of war team was comprised of members of the City of London Police and won Olympic gold medals in 1908 and 1920 and silver in 1912.
Visiting the City of London Police Museum
The City of London Police Museum is near Guildhall in the heart of the City of London. Bank is the closest tube station, although Moorgate and St Paul’s are also nearby.
It is located immediately next door to Guildhall Art Gallery and the City of London Police Museum. The City of London Police Museum is also less than a 10-minute walk to the Museum of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Admission to the museum is free
Although it is a small specialist museum, it is well presented and visitors can spend from 30 minutes to two hours here.
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