Police House History

We are unsure exactly when the house first became a Police House, and believe it was a cottage originally, but it was sold in 1961 and the police moved into new premises at the top of the town

Downstairs was the office area, and upstairs was the accomodation for the most senior policeman - although those with a family could live elsewhere. Laurel Cottage opposite was used for this at one time. Hidden Cottage, next to our house, was the cell block and had two cells, with another bedroom above. There was a corridor connecting the two properties, and the car park was an orchard.

There was great excitement during WW2, when a German bomber came down off Stepper Point, on the edge of the estuary. The crew were captured in an escape dinghy, then brought through the town to the cells. See images below of the captured dinghy outside the old cell block. The policemen pictured were PC Pomeroy (standing) & PC Glover (kneeling).

Once the building was sold, we believe it may have been a veterinary practice for a while, and perhaps a florist, but eventually became a private residence.

Our father bought the whole building, including the cottage, in 1982 from a local friend. A few years after Dad passed away, Mum sold Hidden Cottage and separated the courtyard.

We thank Padstow Museum and Cornwall Police historian, Frank Grigg, for the information and photos.

Here are some photos of the Padstow policemen who lived, or were based in, The Old Police House in days gone by.