Thames Police Museum

Small museum in Wapping Police Station on more than 200 years of river policing on the Thames, visited by appointment.

Ask the museum for opening hours

About the museum

The museum is housed in Wapping Police Station, a working police building on the north bank of the Thames. It tells the story of the river police, which began in 1798 as the Marine Police, set up by the magistrate Patrick Colquhoun with John Harriott to protect trade on the river. The government took the force over in 1800.

The displays cover more than 200 years of policing on the water. Among the early stories is that of Gabriel Franks, killed in 1798 and regarded as the first serving police officer to die in the line of duty.

The collection includes oil paintings, models of police boats, handcuffs, cutlasses, diving suits, old blue lamps, a rocket-propelled rope launcher and team photographs. Notable items are a portrait of Colquhoun, the ensign of the paddle steamer Princess Alice, and a plaque honouring officers who rescued survivors of the Marchioness disaster.

Highlights

Portrait of Patrick Colquhoun, founder of the river police
Models of historic police boats
Ensign of the paddle steamer Princess Alice
Plaque for the Marchioness rescue
Diving suits, handcuffs and cutlasses

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible: not available
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

According to an older visitor guide, the museum is reached by about ten stone steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users, although help is offered to visitors with reduced mobility.