Framed display of copies of documents found during the Grand Hotel bombing investigation

Object/Artifact

Old Police Cells Museum Brighton

Name/Title

Framed display of copies of documents found during the Grand Hotel bombing investigation

Entry/Object ID

2403

Description

Large glass fronted picture frame 85.5 cm x 73.5 cm, containing 6 mounted copies of paper exhibits relating to the investigation of the bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984.

Use

A framed set of documents relating to the bombing of the Grand Hotel and part of larger group of items relating to the Grand Hotel bombing investigation.

Context

On 12th October 1984 a bomb exploded at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, whilst it was hosting guests staying for the Conservative party Conference being held in Brighton, killing 5 people and injuring 31. The bomb was planted by the I.R.A. (Irish Republican Army) in an attempt to kill the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and members of her government. In September 1986 Patrick Magee was convicted of planting the bomb and five counts of murder. This framed and mounted selection of documents are copies of paper exhibits which were recovered after the arrest of Patrick Magee and used at his trial. At the time he and his associates were planning a bombing campaign which includes targets at seaside resorts. The list of targets in the top right of this display helped to identify the Reuben's Hotel opposite Buckingham Palace as potential bomb location and a search subsequently located a bomb there. As with the investigation into the Grand Hotel bombing, registration cards were checked and Magee's fingerprints were identified as showing he stayed in the room where the bomb was found. This display is believed to have been part of a larger collection of Grand Hotel bomb related items that were originally displayed at Sussex Police HQ in Lewes and are now in the museum.