Last month marked the inauguration of a formal police force in Leamington Spa, precisely on 10 June 1825. 

In collaboration with the Leamington History Society, the Warwickshire Constabulary History Society has organised an array of events and initiatives to commemorate the bicentennial. 

Among these is an exhibition titled 'Policing in Royal Leamington Spa', which is currently ongoing at the Leamington Pump Rooms Art Gallery & Museum.

The exhibition, which commenced earlier this month, offers a captivating exploration into the history of policing in the town. Set to run for three months, visitors can explore this exhibition during the gallery's opening hours, which can be found on its website.

The History Society has also produced a limited-edition enamel pin badge to commemorate this year's 200th anniversary. 

These unique badges are available for purchase for £5, serving as a lasting memento of this historic occasion.

Separately from the anniversary celebrations, the History Society has secured exhibition space in Southam, in partnership with the Southam Heritage Collection. An interactive display highlighting the history of policing in Southam is on view at Tithe Place in Southam, alongside the Southam Heritage Collection and will be available until the end of September 2025. 

Tithe Place is open from 10am to 12noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

The exhibition is designed to be suitable for both adults and children. Admission is free; however, donations towards the maintenance of the Heritage Centre are appreciated.

The Leamington Borough Police Headquarters was housed in what is now the Leamington Polish Centre on the High Street from 1825 to 1947, serving as the original Leamington Police Station until 1968. 

Next month, a celebratory reception will be held at this historic location for invited guests.

Following the merger of the Borough Police with Warwickshire Constabulary, the headquarters were established at Woodcote House, Leek Wootton, in 1947. 

Warwickshire Constabulary officially became Warwickshire Police in 2001.

For more information on any of these events, to learn more about the history of Warwickshire Police, or to purchase a commemorative pin badge, please contact Richard Woodcock, the Force Historian and Warwickshire Constabulary History Society Chairman/Archivist.