The lock-up evening tour included 5 mini talks on different aspects of Victorian policing and the history of the lock-up itself, as well as the chance to browse freely round the facilty at the end and have a closer look at some of the pictures of the Victorian prisoners once resident there. Over 2 hours you will hear about the story of the last public hanging in Birmingham, what it was like to be a Victorian bobby chasing Jack the Ripper, see and touch some of our old kit and equipment, find out more about how the lock-up operated and hear about some of the people who worked there.

The Steelhouse Lane Lock-up was in use from 1892 to 2016 and many of the original Victorian features are still present, alongside more modern custody facilities. The Grade II listed building shows how a mini prison operated in a busy city centre for well over a century.

There are also some books on the history of law and order and some other policing items available to purchase in our shop.

Health and safety:

This tour is for adults only - no under 17s please.

Please note due to the nature and age of the facility there is currently no access for mobility impaired guests due to the large amounts of steps and lack of a disability access lift.

You are advised to wear suitable and comfortable footwear (e.g. no stiletto heels) as there are three floors to view and some of the landings have small holes which could trap heels. For this reason short skirts are not advised due to the grilled floors and winding staircases.

Please note that photographs will be taken during these events which could be used as publicity material for the museum in the future and may therefore be published on social media.

For security reasons a bag search will be required prior to entry.