Overview

The City of London has it's own police force which covers the Square Mile. This fascinating, small, free museum covers the history of this police force from its creation in 1839 until the present day. It has sections on Jack the Ripper and the Houndsditch Murders. Interesting exhibits such as rattles and whistles, police boxes, to the Olympic gold medal the Police won at the 1920 Olympic Games for Tug of War. There is also a collection of old police uniforms and the opportunity for the public to try on some of the different type of police helmets. The museum is disabled accessible.

Transport & Parking

The nearest tubes stations are Bank, which has some disabled access, and St Paul's, which isn't steps free. I travelled by bus and there are a number of bus routes that stop nearby and then it's a 5 minutes walk.

Access

The museum is located within the Guildhall complex. Access to the museum is through the Guildhall Library Entrance on Aldermanbury. It's not particularly well sign posted. At the entrance there are a few internal steps to reception but there is also a platform lift. The entrance to the museum is next to the reception desk. The museum is small and on the one level. There are information boards and display cabinets and there is space to go round. The written on the information boards was quite large that I didn't need to wear my reading glasses.

Toilets

On my return visit in October 2018 I was pleased to find that an accessible toilet has been recently installed in the basement, which is accessible by lift or stairs. The toilet is spacious, with grab rails and emergency cord. Previously staff have had to escort me to another part of the building to use the facilities. Really helpful improvement.

Staff

There was a member of staff at the reception desk when I arrived and exited. However there was no members of staff in the museum during my visit.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The current opening times are Monday to Saturday with a late night to 7.30pm on Wednesdays, but please check before travelling. The Police Museum sometimes holds talks in the Guildhall Library, for which there is a charge. While at the Guildhall within the complex is the Guildhall Library, which holds small exhibitions and talks, the Great Hall and the Guildhall Art Gallery which has the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre in it's basement. All of which are disabled accessible and have free admission, although there is a charge for some events.

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