Page 80 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

The foreboding interior is
simple and uncluttered,
but retains many of its
original Victorian features,
which amplify the
oppressive atmosphere of
the building.

After stepping through the
main doors, there is
virtually no connection
with the outside world and
detainees are left in the Figure 35 Clanging of keys in old metal doors became a familiar daily sound
stark surroundings to
contemplate their fate and actions, just as many have before in the 120-year
history of the building. Police Officers working there became accustomed to
working in a Victorian setting, actors on a stage of years gone by.

Figure 36 The underground tunnel between the Steelhouse Lane lock-up and the
Magistrates Court

The sound of feet clinking on the wrought iron staircase
and walkways echoes through the three storeys of
open galleried landings.

I’d never had the guided tour at Steelhouse Lane Lock
Up. I’d only ever delivered prisoners who had been
refused bail and would be documented there before
appearing before Birmingham Magistrates either later
that day or the next morning. On these occasions, we
only saw the prisoner reception area and once Figure 37 Inside Steelhouse Lane Police
persons in custody sheets were checked and Station and lock-up Page80