Britain’s only police station with a moat is expected to fetch more than #150,000 at auction – exactly 92 years after it was besieged by an angry mob.
Bilston Police Station in Wolverhampton, West Mids., was built in 1840 and was unique for its protective trench.
The dry moat, which is 10ft-deep and 6ft-wide, surrounds the building and was designed to stop break-outs from prisoners of war.
And it saved the lives of dozens of officers after the station was attacked by rioters on July 21, 1919.
Violence erupted after an argument between two police officers and a group of drunken men.
As the officers retreated back to the station the mob grew as they were joined by more troublemakers.
The officers were forced to barricade themselves inside the police station and every window was smashed.
The thugs also doused the front door of the station with petrol but were unable to break in because of the moat.
West Midlands Police occupied the building until January but abandoned the building after it was deemed unfit for purpose.
The station will be sold at auction by Bigwood Chartered Surveyors with a starting price of #150,000.
A spokesman said: ”It’s a fascinating building with a colourful history. We are expecting lots of interest for the building.”
It will be auctioned at Villa Park on Thursday.