Charles Haughton Rafter’s pace stick We had a search through our collection to find something inspired by the festive spirit and were delighted to come across a Christmas gift from Sir Charles Haughton Rafter himself! In 1926 Rafter was gifted an engraved pace stick by his Superintendents, “as an expression of their loyalty and esteem.” …
Unlocked Stories: Detective Top Cat
It is always a fulfilling moment for us when we are able to add missing puzzle pieces to a visitors history through our genealogical research – however, sometimes we are lucky enough to be sent personal histories by visitors who have more to add to our story! Meet Detective Superintendent Trevor Cerdin Thomas; fondly known …
The medals of Sgt. Kenneth William Green Sgt. Kenneth William Green served as part of the Coventry Police, before joining the Army as a Glider Pilot during WW2. Kenneth flew during Operation ‘Market Garden’; this allied military operation took place in the German-occupied Netherlands in September of 1944. The objective was to create a route …
“Kill The Black One First”: A Memoir This Black History Month our chosen object is the memoir of Michael Fuller; Britain’s first and only Black Chief Constable, and the highest ranking black officer in the UK before his retirement. Michael Fuller was born to Windrush-generation Jamaican immigrants in 1959, whom, for reasons emotionally detailed in …
Safer Students event at West Midlands Police Museum helps create warm welcome
We’ve been welcoming lots of new and returning university students to the West Midlands throughout this month and have hosted a number of events to help keep them safe while they study. This includes our first ever Safer Student event which was held at the Lock-up. The students were given a free guided tour around the …
We had great fun hosting our first Macabre Museum and getting the chance to showcase some of the darker stories in our collection! This event was put together by our creative Engagement Officer Archie, who has a soft spot for the macabre and true crime. After browsing our collection she realised there was plenty hidden …
Object of the Month, September
Our object of the month is inspired by our upcoming talk; Police Drones! When we think of drones flying above we may assume it’s a professional photographer, or just people having fun with their new tech, but rarely do we consider that that drone is being utilised to keep us safe. Since the early 2000s, …
Writing Wrongs: Using Language Analysis to Improve Justice
*This event is free and funded by Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)* Venue: West Midlands Police Museum, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham Host: Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics Tickets This immersive event will feature acted scenes, accessible talks, and practical hands-on activities which will give participants the opportunity to explore some of the ways in which …
Beyond the Mask; Poisons, Police, and Punishment
…..would you keep poison in the pantry ? As part of Heritage Open weekend we are excited to welcome Howard, a retired Coventry West Midlands Police Officer who will be taking us on a journey of crime in the 18th and 19th century. When, in 1849 , Mary Ball was sentenced for the arsenic poisoning …
The return of Roger the Safety Car has inspired our Terrific Transport summer, so it’s only right he is our object of the month! Roger, and other safety cars like him, were part of a safety initiative in the 1990’s which aimed to teach school children about road safety. Travelling to schools across Birmingham and …
This guest blog post comes from our work experience placement Zainab. This is her experience with us, in her own words Throughout my time doing work experience at the museum, I have learnt a lot not only about the history of policing, but I’ve also acquired a set of skills that will benefit me greatly …
Our favourite object this month is this West Midlands Police body armour. An early example, from the 1990s, designed to protect officers in dangerous situations. Stored at police stations or in police cars, this type of body armour was available for police officers to use, if needed. Today body armour is personal issue, every police …
Fancy a day out with a difference. Dad’s can visit us for just £5 this Father’s Day, with a paying child, be that big kid or little kid! Spend some time at our Victorian lock up and discover what life was like beind bars. There is plenty to do for all the family, trails for …
Golden milestone for Harry Hawkins
Richard Henry Hawkins BEM served over 50 years with Birmingham City Police His service started during the reign of Queen Victoria and spanned two world wars Richard Henry Hawkins was born in Birmingham on 22 December 1872. In 1881, aged 8, he was living with his father, Henry Hawkins (52 yrs) a rolling mill labourer …
Festive Fun at the West Midlands Police Museum
Looking for something that the whole family can enjoy this Christmas, then join us for some ‘Festive Fun’ from Saturday 16th December to Friday 23rd December . Help Lock-up Mouse find all of the elves and make your very own police snowman decoration. Explore our Victorian Lock-up and learn all about policing in the past, …
