Bow Street has seen all sorts of protestors pass through its cells and courts, from xenophobic footmen of the 18th century descending on the magistrate’s house en masse, discontented theatre-goers drowning out performances every night for weeks and window-smashing suffragettes demanding votes for women.

But when does a protestor become a rioter? When does a crowd become a mob? And how does law enforcement know where to draw the line?

Follow in the footsteps of these historical events, as we explore the causes of the disaffected, how law enforcement reacted and ask, crucially, did they make any difference?

Duration: approximately 75 minutes.

Conditions of entry: you must be 18 years or over to attend this tour. If you would like to book a ticket for anyone aged 16 – 17 years, you must contact the Museum in advance info@bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk

Prices: £16.50 / £15 Concession / 2-4-1 Art Fund entry

Your ticket includes entry to Bow Street Museum, valid on the same day as your tour. There is no need to pre-book, after your tour speak to your tour guide or the Museum team on the front desk.

Please Note

• This tour is an outside walking tour.

• Light rain or a moderate breeze will not cancel the tour.

• There will be no access to public toilets once the tour begins.

• There is no seating available along the tour route.

• The tour follows a set route around the Covent Garden area along public pavements, via road crossings and through some pedestrianised spaces.

• We aim to avoid steps and large curbs, however due to the ever-changing nature of London’s streets we cannot guarantee that the route will always remain entirely step-free.