Old Police Cells Museum reopens at Brighton Town Hall following major revival

The revival of the museum has been led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne, who becomes the new custodian of this rare collection. Her commitment to securing the museum’s long‑term future preserves one of Sussex’s most distinctive cultural and educational assets.

More than a collection of artefacts, the Old Police Cells Museum is a living archive dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Sussex Police and the communities it serves. Its atmospheric corridors and preserved cells tell powerful stories of the city’s past – from the devastating murder of Chief Constable Henry Solomon in 1844, to the turbulent Mods and Rockers era of the 1960s, to the changing role of women in policing.

“I’m delighted to reopen the Old Police Cells Museum and preserve this extraordinary part of our county’s policing heritage”, said PCC Katy Bourne.

“These cells are more than bricks and mortar – they hold the stories of the people, officers and communities who shaped Sussex policing as we know it today.

“My aim is to ensure that this museum remains a vibrant educational resource, especially for young people who want to understand how policing has evolved and why public trust and engagement matter just as much now as they did 200 years ago.

“Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student or simply curious about our county’s policing past, I hope visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and progress that have defined Sussex policing, throughout the ages.”

Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM, Mayor of Brighton & Hove said: “Residents often don’t realise that Brighton Town Hall is a hidden gem – a place of remarkable history and a magical gateway into the city’s past.

“Stepping into the old police cells beneath the building feels like travelling back in time; the stories, the echoes, the sense of place instantly transport you to another era.

“For many years, the Old Police Cells were a bustling hub of activity - busy, noisy and central to keeping order in the town.

“They hold the memories of Brighton’s lively, sometimes chaotic, but always fascinating history.

“They are a true time capsule of our city’s colourful past and I am so delighted they will be open to the public once again.”

Preserving a historic collection in the heart of Brighton

The museum features historic uniforms, equipment, photographs, artefacts and first‑hand accounts that bring to life the human stories behind crime and justice.

A dedicated volunteer team has helped preserve the museum’s records and prepare it for reopening, guided by director Ollie Knight. Drawing on his experience at the Imperial War Museum and his background in teaching and education consultancy, Ollie has led a refresh of the museum’s curation, displays and interpretation to create a stronger visitor experience.

With renewed investment and long‑term stewardship from PCC Katy Bourne, the museum will expand its educational outreach, develop new exhibitions and ensure the collection remains accessible for generations to come.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our patrons, Ollie and all the dedicated volunteers who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes,” PCC Katy Bourne added.

“Their passion, commitment and belief in the importance of preserving our policing history have been instrumental in bringing the Old Police Cells Museum back to life.”

Brighton and Hove Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, said: “We are so fortunate to have a collection like the Old Police Cells Museum on our doorstep in Brighton, offering a fascinating look at the history of policing in Sussex.

“Policing has always been at the heart of our communities, and while much of the profession has changed significantly over the years, the core values of service, duty and commitment to protecting the public have remained.

“I am proud to follow in the footsteps of the officers, staff and volunteers remembered in these exhibits and help Sussex Police evolve and adapt to the challenges of the ever-changing modern world.”

Best-selling UK author Peter James is Vice President of The Old Police Cells Museum. He said: “As someone who has spent much of my writing life exploring the darker corners of crime and policing, it’s a privilege to support the reopening of the Old Police Cells Museum.

“These extraordinary Victorian cells beneath Brighton Town Hall are every bit as atmospheric as the settings that inspire my Roy Grace novels but they hold something even more powerful – the real stories of nearly 200 years of Sussex policing.

“I’m thrilled to see the museum revived with such dedication, thanks to the PCC and the volunteers whose passion has brought this remarkable collection back to life.”

A family tribute to a lifelong commitment to policing

The Old Police Cells Museum was the brainchild of the late Brighton Councillor John Drake. His wife, Pat Drake, adopted it as her mayoral project and the museum was officially opened on the 4 May 2005.

Karen Martin, John and Pat’s daughter, said: Our parents held the Police Service in the very highest regard throughout their lives and seeing the Old Police Cells Museum reopen is a deeply meaningful moment for our family.

“Our father, John, served at New Scotland Yard from 1963, rising through the Solicitors Department before retiring in 1986.

“He cared passionately about public service and about this city, where he also served as a District Councillor.

“Even as children, we remember him pointing out the old cells beneath Brighton Town Hall and sharing the stories they held.

“Our mother, Pat, devoted many years to the police service in Sussex.

“She served on the Sussex Police Authority from 1977 and, between 1988 and 1991, became its first female Chairman.

“During that time she supported significant developments within the Force, built lifelong friendships with officers such as the late Sir Roger Birch and championed Sussex’s role in national and international policing.

“Following our father’s passing, Mum chose the creation of the Old Police Cells Museum as her mayoral project.

“What began as a disused basement space became, through her determination, a place where Sussex’s policing heritage could be preserved and shared.

“She worked tirelessly – clearing the old cells with the support of volunteers, securing funding, training retired officers as guides and gathering artefacts through her many policing contacts.

“She remained closely involved for many years, ensuring the museum achieved accreditation and that its future would be safeguarded in partnership with Sussex Police and supporters such as Peter James.

“To see the museum revived today is to witness the continuation of our parents’ commitment to policing, public service and the history of this remarkable city.

“We are immensely proud that their dedication forms part of the story being preserved for future generations.”

Reopening details

The Old Police Cells Museum will reopen to the public for guided tours from Saturday 16 May 2026. Further information, opening hours and booking details can be found at: oldpolicecellsmuseum.com