Curator's Corner: The Police Prison Van

May 2025 Edition

For this month’s Curator’s Corner, we are taking a closer look at a remarkable piece of policing history: the police prison van. Today’s British police custody vehicle is the result of nearly two centuries of evolution in prisoner transport in the UK, reflecting shifting attitudes towards policing and punishment.^[1]

The concept of a dedicated vehicle for prisoner transport arose alongside the formation of Sir Robert Peel’s ‘Bobbies’ in the early 19^th century. Early police vans took the form of horse-drawn carriages, with the carriage serving as a secure holding cell.^[2] Before the development of the prison carriage, prisoners were marched through towns, often in chains and accompanied by jeering crowds. As cities expanded and the population grew, this method became impractical and dangerous for both officers and prisoners.

The first prison carriages were introduced in the 1830s and 1840s. Built from wood and drawn by horses, they were grim, poorly ventilated, and devoid of natural light.

Nicknamed ‘Black Marias,’ a term believed to have originated from American slang.^[3]

By the Victorian era, these carriages became a staple in Britain’s growing metropolitan areas. The black exteriors and iron fittings made them an intimidating sight, reinforcing police authority. They became a source of public fascination, leading to concerns about prisoner welfare and escape risks. By the early 20^th century, internal lighting, seating, and ventilation were improved.^[4]

During the 1920s and 1930s, police transitioned to the use of motorised vehicles, including prison vans, allowing for faster and more secure transportation over greater distances. Vans were designed to be more discreet to blend in with other service vehicles. After WWII, vans continued to evolve installing new technologies, such as radio communication, internal surveillance, and reinforced interiors to improve safety and monitoring.^[5]

At the Bradford Police Museum, we are proud to hold a Victorian horse-drawn carriage in our historic vehicle fleet. This carriage is often displayed during public events, including the recent Combined Courts Open Day!

^[1] David Taylor. Policing the Victorian Town: The Development of the Police in Middlesbrough c. 1840-1914.

Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.

^[2] “Police Van.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 May 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police Van.

^[3] Ibid.

^[4] Ibid.

^[5] Ibid.