The Midland Railway Study Centre Assemblage Trails

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY ASSEMBLAGE TRAILS
"The Family Trail"
Stop Sixteen: The Handcuffs

In the same drawer...

A set of handcuffs in the drawer next to the Oakham Hoard

Stop 16

Where: A21 (drawer)

What: Handcuffs

Material: Toughened steel.

Why: Who would have thought the Midland Railway needed handcuffs? In fact the railway companies all had quite large police forces who did everything the civil police did; such as controlling the traffic — in this case the trains, at least before signalmen came about (...in fact railway signallers are still referred to as “bobbies” to this day). Railway police also prevented and detected crime, especially fare dodging, as well as keeping order in and around the stations and trains. With amalgamations and nationalisation, the Midland Railway Police were one of the ancestors of today’s British Transport Police.

Ref: RFB31270

A close up of the handcuffs which are marked Hiatts Toughened and stamped MR Co.

No, sorry. Can't help you with the story behind the cast iron Admiral Nelson next to the handcuffs. It is part of Derby Museums' Industrial Collection. Ask one of the wonderful Visitor Experience Assistants in the Assemblage and I'm sure they will be happy to help. Tell 'em the Midland Railway Study Centre folk sent you 😜.