History of the Museum
Find out more
By Pat Drake
The museum was the brainchild of the late Brighton Councillor John Drake. His wife adopted it as her mayoral project and the museum was opened on the 4th May 2005 by the Mayor of the City of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Mrs Pat Drake. The museum was created thanks to the work and enthusiasm of retired and serving police officers and council staff and with the wonderful support of the Brighton Princes Trust and graphics students from the University of Brighton.
730 visitors in the first year
In the first year 2005-6, some 730 people visited the museum and display material was constantly added. The Old Police Cells Society held their first AGM, adopted a constitution, sought Public donations from visitors and the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mrs. Phyllida Stewart-Robert became the president of the Society.
In 2006 a successful application was made for a lottery "Awards For All" grant of £10,000. This enabled us to appoint a museum trainee assistant, set up this web site and redecorate the museum.
In spring 2007 a licence was also signed with Brighton & Hove City Council and a further five cell expansion acquired for the museum to enable specialists areas to be dedicated to East and West Sussex Police, Hastings and Eastbourne Borough Police Forces.
Another magnificent job
Twelve further display cabinets have been bought and the Princes Trust volunteers have done a magnificant job once more of repairing and redecoration of the additional cells.
Some 800 further visitors have looked around the museum in its second year of opening. The cells have been used as a Film location by the BBC; also to stage a major money raising day by the National Children's Homes in a Jail and Bail event and formed the setting for the World Premier of the New World Order plays by Harold Pinter during the first two weeks of the 2007 Brighton Festival.
The Society's very sincere thanks go to all who have helped us so much - our committee, our volunteer guides, the University of Brighton, the Brighton Princes trust, Sussex Police, and the officers of the Brighton & Hove Council particularly property services, Brighton museum and the town hall keepers and reception staff.