Brighton Old Police Cells Murder Scene Ghost Hunt

Brighton Police Station is the only police station in the country, where the chief constable was brutally murdered in his own office in March 1844.

Unsurprisingly, the spirit of the superior officer named Henry Solomon, is said to haunt the cells. This is now the Old Police Cells Museum, situated in the basement of Brighton Town Hall.

Are you brave enough to join Fright Nights on a Ghost Hunt in these terrifying Victorian cells, where apparitions have been seen? Is it the ghost of Henry? Or is it the ghost of his murderer?

Unexplained noises are frequently heard, such as whispers, screams, and dragging sounds. Visitors have also reported being touched by unseen hands, and more frequently, people say they experience the unnerving feeling of being watched.

Other group investigations have proved very successful at this location, and have achieved some great results, and thus evidence that Brighton Old Police Cells, are indeed haunted.

The old police station was always situated in the basement of the town hall, and was part of the original council building design which was built in 1830.

During the early days of the force, there were just 8 watchmen. Henry Solomon joined as a police officer in 1836, and by 1838 he was appointed as Chief Constable, the highest rank on the force. He was responsible for around 30 officers, with a population at the time of approximately 47,000.

Henry Solomon lost his life, on the 13th March 1844, while interviewing a 23 year old prisoner named John Lawrence. His offence was stealing a roll of carpet from a shop. During the interview, Solomon was bludgeoned with a hot poker from the fireplace. This caused a severe head injury from which he died a short while after. It is thought, that had Solomon been wearing a top hat, (which replaced the police helmets in 1868) he may have survived. He left behind his widow, and nine children who were given the sum of £50 by Queen Victoria herself. An additional fund was set up to give the family support in their time of need, exceeding over £1000, which of course was a great deal of money in those days.

Lawrence was found guilty of murder and was publicly hanged at Horsham for his horrific crime. Solomon was buried in the Jewish burial ground known as Florence Place, and became a bit of a local celebrity, with his name displayed on the Brighton busses.

The museum which opened in 1967, is dedicated to charting the history of Brighton’s policing. The cells are available to explore, with graffiti mainly from the mods and rockers era. You can also see the policemen’s washroom, uniform store, and you can discover police memorabilia and artefacts. There is of course a section dedicated to Henry Solomon and details of his life, his career, and his unfortunate death.

Fright Nights are really looking forward to investigating the location, and discovering which areas are the most actively haunted.

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO SPEND THE NIGHT WITH US?

Fright Nights have hired Brighton Police Cells for the night for a very intimate ghost hunt. You are joined by experienced paranormal investigators and medium to try and experience paranormal activity in one of the most haunted buildings in Brighton.

• Initial briefing including information about Fright Nights, health and safety talk, and equipment talk
• Mediumship walk round – who haunts tonight?
• Psychic experiments including séances, glass divination and more
• Ghost hunting vigils in the dark with our medium
• Use of ghost hunting equipment
• Hot drinks and biscuits
• Your chance to ghost hunt in a haunted location at night with free time to explore on your own!

Situated in the basement of Brighton Town Hall an imposing building in the centre of town.