‘Hidden’ Devon and Cornwall policing museum revealed as UK’s largest collection of its kind

A treasure trove of policing history from Devon and Cornwall, believed to be the largest collection of police memorabilia in the UK, is being painstakingly preserved and digitalised to ensure it survives for future generations.

The Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall, a registered charity, holds thousands of artefacts, documents and photographs that chart the region’s policing heritage as far back as 1790. Despite its size and historical significance, few people are aware of its existence.

Owned and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), the collection includes a remarkable array of historic items: police top hats that predate helmets, Victorian truncheons, handmade grenades, replica firearms, police lamps, and even punishment stocks from the 1800s. Some capes have even been traced back to their original officers.

The ongoing digitalisation project, expected to take around eight years, has already catalogued more than 10,000 items. Many of these are donated by retired officers or their families, preserving stories that might otherwise be lost.

The collection owes its existence to former Police Constable Brian Estill, who began saving artefacts when the Devon and Cornwall forces merged in 1967, earning him the affectionate nickname “the original skip diver” for rescuing items destined for disposal.

Today, the collection is cared for by a small team of trustees and volunteers. Public access remains limited, as much of it is stored in working police stations, though a mini-museum at Tavistock’s Court Gate is open on select days from spring to early autumn.

Thousands of historic documents and photographs are held at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter, where they have helped families trace their ancestors’ policing pasts. The museum also gives talks, stages exhibitions, and takes part in community events such as Heritage Open Days.

Recent funding from the OPCC, Devon & Cornwall Police, and other sources has enabled the museum to accelerate its digitalisation work and explore opportunities for a permanent exhibition space in Cornwall.

This week, the museum released a short film showcasing its collection and the people behind its preservation.

Museum patron and former police officer John Casson MBE said: “I believe we have got the largest collection of policing memorabilia in the country. Although the Met is a bigger force it has only ever been one force whereas we once had 29 so we have lots of different uniforms and other items in our collection.

“The film we have created shows what is an absolute treasure trove that will be more accessible through digitalisation.”

Chair of museum trustees, Bill Skelly, added: “Within the past 10 years the museum has grown from strength to strength and without the help of the OPCC it would not have been able to take the big leaps we have recently to keep our policing legacy alive.

“Behind every artifact lies a fascinating story – sometimes tragic, sometimes humbling. We are trying to bring those stories to life and give people access to them for generations to come.

“The police are present to protect and serve the public at pretty much every major event and moment of public life. Our film distils the importance of curating police history because their heritage is our own social history too.”

The film premiered at a special event in Tavistock, attended by museum members, sponsors, local councillors, and representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police, including Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell, who said: “I would like to thank the museum for telling our story and the way you are telling it in such a passionate and committed way.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez spoke of the project’s importance, saying: “Devon and Cornwall are privileged to have such a fascinating collection of policing memorabilia which tells a remarkable story of how policing has evolved over many decades. It is important that it remains accessible to all, and I am grateful to all those who are making that possible and look forward to seeing it shared more widely through digitalisation.”

The film, The Story of the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall, can be viewed online via the museum’s official website.