Tetbury Police Museum & Courtroom
Free museum in a Victorian police station with cells, a recreated 1940s magistrates court and the UK's largest public collection of handcuffs.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom occupies the Victorian police station, gaol and magistrates court on Long Street. When the Tetbury magistrates court moved to Cirencester in 1969 and the local police took over a new building, Tetbury Town Council bought the old station to keep part of the town's heritage and to provide public council offices. The sergeant's former living quarters are now the council administration offices, while the original police office and cells hold the museum.
The museum is mainly devoted to the history of Gloucestershire Constabulary, founded in 1839, with photographs and equipment showing how policing changed. Its best-known holding is the Alex Nichols Collection of handcuffs and restraints, described as the largest on public view in the United Kingdom, which moved here from the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham in 2007. A model prisoner named Fred sleeps in one of the cells.
On the first floor a complete magistrates court has been recreated with full-size figures to show a hearing as it might have been in the late 1940s or early 1950s, with a recording of a typical case. The museum offers volunteer-led tours, family activities and workshops for schools, and the courtroom can be used for private events.
Highlights
- Largest collection of handcuffs and restraints on public view in the UK
- Victorian police cells, including the sleeping prisoner Fred
- Recreated 1940s magistrates court with full-size figures and sound
- History of Gloucestershire Constabulary since 1839
- Free entry with volunteer guides
Permanent exhibitions
- Police cells and handcuff collection – The original cells hold the Alex Nichols Collection of handcuffs and restraints, with objects and cold case files about policing in Gloucestershire.
- The Courtroom – A magistrates court in session as in the late 1940s, using full-size figures, with a recorded hearing and a period telephone to hear crimes reported to the station.
- Operated by
- Tetbury Town Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free. Workshop dates and costs for schools are available on request.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum and cells are on the ground floor, and ramps can be supplied for access. The courtroom and the toilet are on the first floor, so wheelchair access is limited. Visitors can contact the museum to arrange a volunteer guide.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Children are very welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The museum runs events and family activities such as young detectives, Identifit and cold-case games. Schools can book two-hour workshops for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking at the museum, but coaches can stop outside to drop off children.
The museum is in the Old Court House at 63 Long Street in the centre of Tetbury.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Volunteers give free tours on Wednesdays and Fridays. Booking is essential for all groups, and the courtroom is available for private events on request. |
