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Visit the historic murder scene under Brighton's town hall

Old Police Cells Museum - Visit the historic murder scene under Brighton's town hall

Visit the historic murder scene under Brighton's town hall

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  • Spend a day in the cells

    The police cells were condemned in 1929 and are now unearthed for your pleasure. In 1844, Chief Constable Henry Solomon was senselessly bludgeoned to death by a petty criminal before witnesses in his own office. His assailant spent a night in the subterranean cells before being tried and publicly hanged. These cells have hosted many infamous felons who have shared a night in the company of the spectres that lurk within…

    THE OLD POLICE CELLS MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.

    Following advice from the UK government on managing Coronavirus (Covid-19) all museums in Brighton & Hove are shut until further notice.

    Usually, we provide access to the museum by tour only, with tours available by appointment all year round.

    Please contact opcmprivatevisits@gmail.com for more information or to plan a visit later in the year.

    Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomew Square,
    Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1JA

    Plan your visit

    Free
    entry!

    Map showing location of Brighton Town Hall (opens in new window)
    Special features
    • Interactive Tour

      Interactive Tour

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    • Murder at the Museum

      Murder at the Museum

      Murder most foul: death of a Jewish officer that moved Queen Victoria When Henry Solomon died in 1844, thousands of mourners ...
      Find out more
    • Police stories

      Police stories

      200 yrs of crime through the eyes of local historians and police officers. Explore the history of the Sussex police forces in ...
      Find out more
    • Prisons and transportation

      Prisons and transportation

      During the 18th century the number of crimes punishable by death had risen to about 200. Some, such as treason or ...
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    • Venue hire

      Venue hire

      Why not book a truly memorable day? Weddings, ghost hunts, live performances, halloween. Children will love it because they can dress in proper uniforms and ...
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    • A great day of local history

      This place is great! As the tours are free, wasn’t expecting such an informative and fun tour packed with stories and props and costumes. Our tour guide Phil was fantastic — super knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly loving his job. This place is certainly a must, especially for locals!

      Hark C, January 2017

    • Excellent and informative

      An excellent free tour of the old Police Cells. Our tour guide was fabulous … a retired police officer from Brighton who was extremely knowledgeable and not afraid to share some amusing anecdotes

      John M, London

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