One of our favourite pub quiz questions goes like this: at which sport are the City of London Police the reigning Olympic champions?
You can find the answer in the City of London Police Museum, where the team's gold medal (from 1920) is on prominent display.
The City of London, for those who don't know, has its own police force. It operates independently of the Metropolitan Police. This museum, nestled in a corner of Guildhall Library, tells the story of this constabulary from its inception in 1839 through to modern times.
It's a cracking, thought-provoking little museum, which packs in objects from such diverse crimes as the Jack the Ripper murders (one of which took place in the City) and the IRA attacks of the late 20th century. We also learn about the role of the police in the two world wars and ongoing challenges such as counter-terrorism and combating financial crime.
Here are a few highlights:
The final section offers a display of officers' uniforms over the decades, and a chance to try on various helmets.
The whole museum can be comfortably viewed in 30-45 minutes. Why not spend your luncheon with a truncheon?
City of London Police Museum is located within Guildhall Library on Aldermanbury. Open every day except Sunday. Free entry.
