This paper reported an experimental and numerical study of a novel brace-type hybrid damper composed of steel slit plates enhanced by the friction mechanism. A test programme including six proof-of-concept specimens was carried out. The test results showed that the specimens exhibited multiple yielding stages, and the hysteretic response curves of the specimens were dependent on geometric configurations of the steel slit plates and the clamping force of bolts. The expected energy dissipation sequence accompanied by excellent ductility of the novel hybrid damper specimens was confirmed. The ploughing effect phenomenon between the friction interfaces as evidenced by the wear of the steel plates and increasing friction force was confirmed, which contributed to enhanced friction energy dissipation of the dampers under cyclic loadings. Then, a numerical investigation was conducted to take insights into the resisting mechanism of the specimens. The adequacy of the finite element modelling techniques was justified by a good correlation between test responses and numerical simulations. The test and numerical studies demonstrated that the energy dissipation sequence as a result of the hybrid energy dissipation mechanism contributed to improving the energy dissipation capacity and ductility of the steel slit plates. To facilitate the practical design of the novel hybrid dampers, a theoretical prediction model enabling quantification of critical mechanical quantities of the novel hybrid damper was developed, and the sufficiency of the design model was justified by comparison among the test responses, numerical results, and design predictions. •A novel brace-type hybrid damper composed of steel slit plates enhanced by the friction mechanism was proposed.•Six damper specimens were designed and physically tested.•Proposed hybrid damper can achieve excellent energy-dissipation capacity and ductility.•The resisting mechanism of the hybrid damper was comprehensively numerical studied.•A theoretical prediction model of the novel hybrid damper was developed.