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A pair of police houses from Heworth, Gateshead, and their associated single-storey office, has been replicated at Beamish.

Two police houses and their associated office have been replicated to tell the story of 1950s policing and the lives of officers and their families.

The exhibits are replicas of existing buildings from the Leam Lane Estate, in Gatehead. Visitors can report to the office, where they will find
out about crime in the 1950s and the working life of a police constable walking the beat in his local community. In the homes of the sergeant and constable, people will be able to compare the differences, with the sergeant’s ultra-modern 1950s decor and the constable’s more traditional style, and learn about the impact that serving in the police had on family life.

The museum worked with Councillor John Shuttleworth who, as the son of a police officer, grew up in one of the police houses being replicated by the museum. The museum also worked closely with the North East Police History Society (NEPHS) in developing the stories of policing history we tell at the museum. The society has been instrumental in preserving the region’s policing history and its members have taken part in museum events and exhibitions.

The museum is keen to hear from people with memories of policing in the 1950s, particularly anyone who was in the police force or grew up in a police house during that decade. We’re also keen to hear from protesters or people who had dealings with the police. Please contact Connor Emerson, Remaking Beamish Engagement Development Officer, email: connoremerson@beamish.org.uk.