Friday Photo: Steelhouse Lane Lock Up

Today’s Friday photo is the Steelhouse Lane Lock Up. It was taken during a fascinating open day organised by Hidden Spaces and the West Midlands Police; (for those of us who had never been there before!) we were shown how the police and court custody facility operated and a selection of historical information on the Birmingham City Police which was formed in 1839. The photo shows the top storey of the three storey cell block that originally contained 67 cells. The aim of the glass ceiling was to get as much natural light into the building as was possible without compromising security. The grade II listed building was constructed in the late 19th century and was operational until last year, it retained some of its original Victorian features, though there had been copious alterations to adapt to the practical requirements of a modern day custody facility.