Everyday Histories of Bow Street Police Station

From eighteenth century crime fighting to the closure of one of London's first police stations in 1992, explore the important and fascinating tales of Bow Street and its unique links with police history.

Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice tells the story of the early Bow Street Patrols and Runners, London’s first official law enforcement service, and the Metropolitan Police officers who walked the streets of Covent Garden in their footsteps. Located on the site of the 1881 Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, the Museum is filled with rich stories of investigations, arrests and justice being served. From the earliest watchmen who tackled crime with nothing more than a lantern and a staff, to the modern Magistrates presiding over cases of international renown.

Former cells have become galleries where visitors can hear tales from those who once worked inside the station’s walls, displayed with previously unseen photographs that evoke the atmosphere of working life. Alongside the important and fascinating stories of police history, the Museum also provides a glimpse into the life and times of Covent Garden.

For this year's Heritage Open Day theme of Everyday Histories, meet the staff who worked in the building during it's lifetime and hear firsthand their experiences of patrolling Covent Garden and the important work civilian staff did behind the scenes.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

11:00-16:30

Location & directions

Bow Street Museum of Crime & Justice, 28 Bow Street, London, City of London, WC2E 7AW

Directions:

what3words Using the what3words app, type in ‘police.locker.repair.’ to navigate directly to the Museum. Getting here The best way to get to the Museum is by public transport. Nearest London Underground stations Covent Garden (3 minute walk) Holborn (7 minute walk) Charing Cross ( 11 minute walk) Temple (12 minute walk) Embankment (12 minute walk) Nearest mainline railway stations Charing Cross (11 minute walk) London Waterloo (19 minute walk) Blackfriars (21 minute walk)

Contact on day:

Ciara Meehan

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

To ensure we can welcome as many people as possible we limit time slots to 15 people per half-hour. Museum visits are self-guided and our staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Booking contact name:

Ciara Meehan

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://bowstreetpolicemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Booking opens:

21 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

We want everyone who visits Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice to feel welcome. Because we are located inside an historic building, access to the Museum is not always as straight forward as we would like it to be. Please visit our website for more details or contact our team via email. https://bowstreetmuseum.org.uk/visit/accessibility/

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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