Christmas Crime Festival: How Bradford Got Its Police Force, An Illustrative Talk by Author Gaynor Halliday

How Bradford Got Its Police Force

A policeman's life was not a happy one…

What was life really like for Bradford's early police officers? And how did the town establish its own police force?

Join historian and author Gaynor Halliday as she takes us back to nineteenth-century Bradford to explore the formation of the Borough Police Force and the fascinating lives of the men who served within it.

At the heart of this story is Gaynor's own great-great-grandfather, Bradford's longest-serving constable, whose career provides a unique perspective on the challenges, responsibilities and everyday realities of early policing.

Through his experiences and the trials and tribulations of his colleagues, Gaynor will uncover the human stories behind the uniform, revealing a side of Bradford's policing history that is often overlooked.

From the difficulties of maintaining law and order to the demands placed upon those entrusted with keeping the peace, this engaging historical talk offers a glimpse into a very different Bradford.

Part of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival 2026

Taking place from Thursday 3^rd to Sunday 6^th December, the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival is a four-day celebration of crime, policing, history, mystery and storytelling, presented by The Bradford Police Museum.

Through a varied programme of historical talks, theatrical performances, ghost tours and festive family activities, the festival brings fascinating stories from the past to life within the remarkable surroundings of Bradford City Hall.

How Bradford Got Its Police Force opens the festival, taking audiences back to the origins of organised policing in Bradford and the people whose lives and careers helped shape its history.

About Gaynor Halliday

Gaynor Halliday is a historian and author with a particular interest in Bradford's policing heritage and her own family's connection to its history.

Drawing upon the remarkable career of her great-great-grandfather, Bradford's longest-serving constable, Gaynor explores the experiences of the city's early police officers and the wider history of the Borough Police Force.

Her talk combines local history with a personal family connection, bringing the people behind Bradford's policing past into focus.

Event details

Date: Thursday 3rd December 2026

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Venue: The Bradford Police Museum

Tickets: £10 per person

The evening will include an illustrated historical talk, an opportunity for audience questions and a book signing.

Accessibility & Important Visitor Information

This event takes place in the historic courtroom at Bradford City Hall, a Grade I-listed building that forms part of The Bradford Police Museum.

Accessibility

Please be aware that access to the courtroom involves climbing a flight of steep steps without a handrail. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building and its current access arrangements, the courtroom is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with restricted mobility who are unable to manage these steps.

As the courtroom is situated within a historic building, it can also become quite cold and draughty during the winter months. We therefore recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing during your visit.

Arrival & Facilities

Doors will open at 5:30pm, and we kindly ask all visitors to arrive no later than 5:45pm to allow sufficient time for admission and seating before the event begins at 6pm.

Please note that there are no public toilet facilities available within The Bradford Police Museum. We recommend making use of nearby facilities before arriving.

Make the Most of Your Festival Experience!

As a thank you for joining us at the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival, we're offering ticket holders 50% off a guided tour of The Bradford Police Museum on Saturday 5th December 2026.

Discover more of Bradford's fascinating criminal past as one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides takes you through the original Victorian police cells and historic courtroom.

A promotional discount code will be provided with your booking confirmation, allowing you to book your guided tour at half the usual ticket price.

Guided tours must be booked separately and are subject to availability. The discount does not automatically reserve a place.

Questions or Additional Requirements?

We want all our visitors to feel informed and welcome. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your individual requirements before booking, please contact The Bradford Police Museum, and we will be happy to provide further information.