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By Sam Baldwin
Ready to bring out your inner Sherlock as you dive into the history of British police from the 1880s? The GMP Museum is the place to be!
57A Newton St, Manchester M1 1ET, United Kingdom
What Can I See?
The Greater Manchester Police Museum is dubbed as one of Manchester’s hidden jewels. Upon entry, you can expect archives from the history of English policing and the recreation of prison cells and courtrooms. There are displays of uniforms through the years, helmets, truncheons, bicycles, and weapons. Then, there is a room where boards display complex cases and how they were solved. Other highlights include mugshots of criminals, examples of crimes, history of penalties, and weapons used in crime and confiscated
The volunteers are mostly retired officers dressed in their uniforms, encouraging people to ask for information about the exhibits and how policing has evolved to meet society’s needs
The Story
The small premises of the place was built in 1879 as a busy Victorian-era station for the Manchester City Police. Later, it hosted officers from the Manchester and Salford Police and GMP until it was finally turned into a museum in 1979.
Historic England lists the museum’s building under Grade II due to its archeological significance. After its conversion into a museum, the interiors of the police station were redesigned to shed good light on the hidden past era of policing.
GMP funded the project and is now run mostly on donations made by visitors.
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3954264Did You Know?
- It is open every Tuesday to the public, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (last admission 3:00 pm). No need to buy tickets!
- Appointment for private tours is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Additionally, Monday is available for research appointments. Any weekday except bank holidays!
What Is Greater Manchester Police Museum Famous For?
It is famous for its wide collection of archives and displays. You can access personal records of past officers, handbooks related to policing and administration, records of authoritative figures in the force before 1974, and Registers of Aliens in Salford.
It is also a great hit among kids due to its original cells, Magistrates court, and charge office, where they can role-play as an officer or judge or get guilty headshots.
Another popular aspect is the sense of community the volunteers instill in the visitors. Being retired Bobbies themselves. Understandably, they are naturally passionate about the subject and are happy to tell stories about their own tenure, how society changed and how policing evolved.
How To Get On The Site?
The nearest train stations from the GMP Museum are Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria, at 15 minutes walk.
The Piccadilly Garden Bus and Metro stations are the nearest bus stations.
If you take the Route 2 of the Transport for Greater Manchester Free Bus, it will drop you at Stevenson Square, only 5 minutes from there.
Nearby Parking On The Map And Cost
Getting a parking slot on Tuesdays is impossible. The nearest parking spaces are the Port Street or Pay and Display bays on Newton Street, both a couple of minutes’ walk from there.
Short List of Nearby Attractions – Make A Day Of It!
If you are visiting the GMP Museum, why not explore some nearby attractions too?
Looking for a good spot to hold a work meeting? The Hive has excellent decor, coffee and lunch services.
Paintings, jewelry, and candles… The gallery and its artwork attract art lovers every day.
Top 3 Closest Hidden Gems – Recommended By Adventure Clues
| Destination | Distance |
| Chetham’s Library | 0.6 mile |
| Manchester Roman Ruins | 2.2 miles |
| St Mary’s Church Manchester | 2.3 miles |
Your Hidden Gems Itinerary
- Start your day at the Greater Manchester Police Museum.
- From there, head to Chetham’s Library, a historic gem with a remarkable collection of books.
- Continue on foot to Manchester Roman Ruins, immersing yourself in the remnants of the city’s ancient past.
- Finally, conclude your day to St Mary’s Church Manchester, taking a leisurely stroll through the city streets, appreciating the architecture and local atmosphere.
Manchester’s hidden gem locations offer a diverse and enriching experience, showcasing the city’s history, culture, and architecture. The close proximity of these sites allows for a seamless day of exploration on foot or by public transport, providing a deeper understanding of Manchester’s hidden treasures without the need for elaborate travel arrangements.
Best Eateries Around The Location
Wanna grab a quick bite while you’re around? Here are a few options:
The eatery is top-rated for its seafood and British flavours.
It is famous for its combination of healthy Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.
Admission / Ticket Price
The best thing about the place is that it is free of cost for everyone.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/raver_mikey/6352079924Final Thoughts On The Tour And Experience
Discover the past of policing in Greater Manchester at the GMP Museum and Archives, a museum dedicated to preserving artifacts and archives, providing insights into the evolving policing methods and past of the UK, located in the heart of Manchester city.
Explore the hidden treasures of Manchester that you didn’t know existed before. Book Manchester Scavenger Hunts by Adventure Clues to turn your fun day into super fun!
Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives FAQs
Find more information about the GMP Museum, its operations, exhibitions, and how to make your visit an enriching historical experience.
What is the GMP Museum?
The GMP Museum is of historical significance located on Newton Street in Manchester City. It hosts an extensive archive and a rich collection of artifacts that relay the history of policing in the Greater Manchester Area. It also offers a peek into how uniforms, ranks, and methods have evolved over time, allowing visitors to see how times have changed.
When is the GMP Museum open?
The place is open to the public on Tuesdays. It’s necessary to contact management in advance for research or private tour appointments.
What can I explore in the GMP Museum?
Their collection includes everything from old uniforms, official photos, and historical cell interiors to antique vehicles. It provides a unique way of experiencing the development of policing in Greater Manchester.
How to contact the GMP Museum for more information?
The easiest way to contact the GMP Museum is to visit their official page. You can find all the contact information there and details about private tours, service prices, and opening hours.
Is the GMP Museum suitable for children?
Yes, it is friendly and educational for people of all ages. It’s especially fascinating for school children who get a chance to learn about the intricacies and the growth of policing in a fun, interactive way.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Manchester_Police_Museum
