Manchester's Victorian Dark Underbelly

Take an exclusive tour of Manchester Police Museum, including refreshments, followed by a walking tour.

Try out the tiny cells that could house up to 20 men on a busy night, admire the wood panels and stained glass of a genuine 1895 Magistrates' court and see where Manchester's criminals were charged, fingerprinted and booked.

On the walking tour, explore the former slum areas, home to thousands of workers in the newly industrialised Manchester. Unimaginable living and working conditions drove many to drink, drugs, murder, crime, vice, deception, gang fighting, prostitution, brutality, desperation and cruelty.

Hear stories of Victorian Manchester’s darker side, of a miscarriage of justice and of the incredible crime busting talents our very own real life Sherlock Holmes.

The tour is lead by Emma Fox of Manchester Guided Tours.

Tour Starting Point:  Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives, 57A Newton Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1ET