Imagine a time in Dalton-in-Furness, way back in the 1840s. Hear the distant rumble of carts on uneven roads, the murmur of conversations in dimly lit pubs, the barking of dogs echoing through the narrow streets. Keeping the peace wasn’t quite as organised then. Believe it or not, there might have already been a constable patrolling the cobblestone streets, his heavy boots squeaking on the damp stones, the chill of the night air biting at his face. Though their headquarters remain a secret, lost to the mists of time… By the 1850s, whispers suggest a police station might have been hidden behind a bustling newspaper shop, the rustle of newspapers mingling with the murmur of legal discussions. Can you picture it? News and justice under one roof! #DualDuty
Fast forward to 1876, and things get clearer. A proper police station, a house on the corner of Nelson and Chapel Streets, stood guard over the town. Picture a modest house, the scent of coal smoke curling from its chimney. Inside, the scratch of pens on paper fills the air, punctuated by the occasional bark of commands. Outside, the sharp crack of a whip and the urgent pounding of hooves signal the arrival of officers tackling local mischief! #HistoricHeadquarters
Then, in 1883, something grand happened – Dalton got its very own magistrates’ court! Hear the heavy wooden door swing open, revealing a hushed chamber with rows of polished benches. Imagine the rustle of silk gowns as lawyers present their arguments, the sharp rap of the gavel bringing order to the proceedings. This meant folks could settle disputes right in their own town square. Sadly, the court shut its doors in 1928, but the echoes of justice still linger in the tales passed down through generations. #LocalLaw
Finally, in 1897, the police station graduated from a converted house to a grand building on Market Street. Picture a symbol of authority, a large, imposing building with a polished brass sign. Hear the heavy thud of the main door closing, the clanging of cell doors, the murmur of conversations in the charge room. This dedicated station served the town faithfully for over 70 years! #MarketStreetJustice
But even police stations need a change of scene sometimes. In 1968, a brand new, modern station rose near the cenotaph, leaving the Market Street building with a case of empty rooms. #NewDigsForTheFuzz
Here’s where the story takes a surprising turn! In 2002, the old station decided to trade handcuffs for coffee cups. Renovations began to transform it into a bustling cafe. Imagine the hiss of the espresso machine, the clinking of cups and saucers, the chatter of customers, all enveloped in the rich aroma of coffee and the sweet scent of pastries. With meeting rooms and even a tourist information centre, imagine catching up with friends over a latte in the very place where law and order once prevailed! #CafeConversion
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The project wasn’t completed, and the building found itself on the market again. Since then, it’s donned various hats – a hospice cafe, a shop, and most recently, a delicious Thai restaurant! Smell the fragrant spices of Thai cuisine, the sweet aroma of coconut milk. Hear the sizzle of stir-fries, the clinking of cutlery, the gentle music playing in the background. #SecondChances
So next time you’re in Dalton, take a moment to admire the old police station. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just about dusty records, it’s about a building that’s seen the town transform, from keeping the peace to serving up pad thai! #LivingHistory #DaltonEats
Speaking of transformations, have you noticed the eagle on the building in some pictures? I’m curious – does anyone know when that was added? #DaltonMystery
If you have any information about the eagle, or any other interesting stories about the old police station, please email me at info@furness-whisper.uk or visit our contact page.
A huge thank you to Cumbria Archives for providing the captivating photos used in this blog post and for their dedication to preserving Cumbria’s heritage. With their kind permission, these images help bring the story of Dalton Police Station to life. Image courtesy of Cumbria Archives #CumbriaArchivesPhotos #CumbriaHistory
#DaltonHistory #PoliceBox #daltonmystery to #SpiceBox