Court in the act - pupils learn about Victorian law

MUSEUM assistant Beth Wilburn teaches the pupils about court rules

CHADDERTON youngsters stepped back in time to take a closer look at crime in days gone by.

Pupils from Christ Church School explored narrow alleyways lined with gas lamps, slums and unruly alehouses when they visited Manchester’s Police Museum.

The museum, in Newton Street, features original Victorian cells with wooden pillows and the charge office that was in use 120 years ago.

Exhibitions containing historic police equipment and uniforms are displayed alongside forensic science discoveries and there is also a genuine Magistrates Court from 1895.

A range of vehicles shows how officers used to go about their business and there is an extensive photographic archive allowing visitors to see just how crime was controlled in the last century.

Excited pupils tried on police uniforms, put teachers in the dock and arrested each other.

Teacher Cheryl Haigh said: “We have all enjoyed our visit .

“The children will remember this for a long time.

“They asked endless questions and loved trying on the uniforms. They were amazed by the punishments of the past and it was a great day with lots of opportunities to learn.”