Join the Mechanics’ Institute and the Bradford Police Museum for Partners in Crime, a special collaborative Bradford Heritage Festival event exploring the life and legacy of Dr Thomas Beaumont – surgeon, reformer and one of the civic figures connected to the development of Bradford’s early night watchmen.
This free event has been developed through a collaborative partnership between the two heritage venues, bringing together civic, social and policing history across two significant historic sites in the heart of Bradford.

The morning begins at the Mechanics’ Institute with tea and coffee, followed by a short illustrated talk exploring Beaumont’s work in public health, sanitary reform and improving safety in an expanding industrial Bradford. The session will also introduce the story of Bradford’s early night watchmen – the forerunners to organised policing in the town – including the local story that Beaumont reportedly died from exhaustion whilst on duty.

Following the talk, participants will take a short guided walk through Bradford city centre to the Bradford Police Museum, housed within the historic Victorian police station beneath City Hall. Visitors will enjoy a full guided museum tour, including the original cells, courtroom and the current exhibition, Authority and Power, charting the history of policing and civic authority in Bradford.

This is a FREE event.
Maximum capacity: 30 people.
Advance booking required.

• The event involves movement between venues via a short guided walk through Bradford city centre.

• The museum portion includes access to the historic Victorian police cells and courtroom. • Due to the historic nature of the building, some areas have limited accessibility; however, lift access is available at the museum entrance and staff will support visitors where possible.

• This event directly connects with the Bradford Police Museum’s current exhibition, Authority and Power.

• Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival at the Mechanics’ Institute.