ETCity police museum moves to new beatPublished on 2 Apr 2010
Glasgow’s most arresting museum has kicked off its summer season at a new location.
The new Glasgow Police Museum premises are at 30 Bell Street, in the Merchant City, and they chart the dramatic history of the UK’s first police force.
Formed in 1800, the City of Glasgow Police was 29 years ahead of the Metropolitan Police. In 1975 Glasgow’s force was amalgamated into Strathclyde Police.
To mark the relocation from its old premises at Turnbull Street, near Saltmarket, and summer opening hours, a rare silver Municipal Merit Medal from 1884 is on display for the first time. The museum already has an extensive collection of bravery medals.
Photographs, storyboards, historical documents, awards, uniforms and memorabilia give visitors insights into the people who served in the force.
It also contains more than 5000 items, including uniforms and headgear from every country in the world.
There are also stories of bombs, cup final riots, strikes, murders and armed robberies.
It also considers the development of police technology.
The VisitScotland three star-rated attraction is staffed by volunteer retired policemen and run by charity the Glasgow Police Heritage Society.
Former police inspector Alastair Dinsmore, who is curator, said: “We are delighted to be opening in our new home”
The museum is open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sundays noon-4.30pm. Admission free.