Jump to content

Great Scotland Yard: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°30′23″N 0°07′32″W / 51.5064°N 0.1256°W / 51.5064; -0.1256
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
5,429,429 edits
Added title. Changed bare reference to CS1/2. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Grimes2 | #UCB_webform 985/1297
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Use British English|date = June 2015}}
{{Use British English|date = June 2015}}
{{Infobox street
{{Infobox street
| name = Great Scotland Yard
| name = Great Scotland Yard
| native_name =
| native_name =
| image = Great Scotland Yard SW1 - geograph.org.uk - 1623573.jpg
| image = Great Scotland Yard SW1 - geograph.org.uk - 1623573.jpg
| caption = Great Scotland Yard, at the junction with Scotland Place
| caption = Great Scotland Yard, at the junction with Scotland Place
| former_name =
| former_name =
| postal_code = {{postcode|SW|1}}
| postal_code = {{postcode|SW|1}}
| metro_system = train
| metro_system = train
| metro = {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rws|Charing Cross}}<br />{{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{lus|Charing Cross}}
| metro = {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{rws|Charing Cross}}<br />{{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{lus|Charing Cross}}
| addresses =
| addresses =
| length =
| length =
| width =
⚫
| location = [[Westminster]], [[Greater London]]
| width =
| client =
⚫
| location =[[St. James's]], [[Westminster]], [[London]]
| client =
| owner =
| owner =
| category =
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|51.5064|-0.1256|type:landmark_region:GB-WSM|display=title,inline}}
| category =
⚫
| commissioning_date =
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|51.5064|-0.1256|type:landmark_region:GB-WSM|display=title,inline}}
⚫
| construction_start_date =
⚫
| commissioning_date =
⚫
| completion_date =
⚫
| construction_start_date =
⚫
| inauguration_date =
⚫
| completion_date =
⚫
| demolition_date =
⚫
| inauguration_date =
| main_contractor =
⚫
| demolition_date =
| main_contractor =
| cost =
| cost =
}}
}}


'''Great Scotland Yard''' is a street in the [[St. James's]] district of [[Westminster]], London, connecting [[Northumberland Avenue]] and [[Whitehall]]. It was the location of the rear entrance to the original headquarters of the [[Metropolitan Police Service]] of London, giving it the name "[[Scotland Yard]]".
'''Great Scotland Yard''' is a street in [[Westminster]], London, connecting [[Northumberland Avenue]] and [[Whitehall]]. By the 16th century, this "yard", which was then a series of open courtyards within the [[Palace of Whitehall]], was fronted by buildings used by diplomatic representatives of the [[Kingdom of Scotland]]. Over time the land was divided into Great Scotland Yard, Middle Scotland Yard and Little Scotland Yard. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.historybytheyard.co.uk/scotland_yard_name.htm | title=Scotland_Yard_name }}</ref> In the 19th century, it was a street and open space, which was the location of a public entrance to the original headquarters of the [[Metropolitan Police Service]] of London, causing the name "[[Scotland Yard]]" to become synonymous with the police service.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Street sign, Great Scotland Yard SW1 - geograph.org.uk - 1623587.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Street sign of Great Scotland Yard]]
[[File:Street sign, Great Scotland Yard SW1 - geograph.org.uk - 1623587.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Street sign of Great Scotland Yard]]


Although the [[etymology]] is not certain, according to a 1964 article in ''[[The New York Times]]'', the name derives from buildings that accommodated the diplomatic representatives of the [[Kingdom of Scotland]] and Scottish kings when they visited English royalty<ref name="Farnsworth">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/15/move-is-planned-by-scotland-yard.html |last=Farnsworth |first=Clyde H. |title=Move is planned by Scotland Yard |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=15 May 1964}}</ref> – in effect, the Scottish [[Embassy]], although the institute was not formalized. It was certainly built and in effect by 1515, as Henry VIII's sister, [[Margaret Tudor]], was lodged there while fleeing from Scotland.
Although the [[etymology]] is not certain, according to a 1964 article in ''[[The New York Times]]'', the name derives from buildings that accommodated the diplomatic representatives of the [[Kingdom of Scotland]] and the Scottish kings when they visited the English court<ref name="Farnsworth">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/15/move-is-planned-by-scotland-yard.html |last=Farnsworth |first=Clyde H. |title=Move is planned by Scotland Yard |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=15 May 1964}}</ref> – in effect, acting as the Scottish [[embassy]], although such an institution was not formalized. Scotland Yard was certainly built and so-named by 1515, as Henry VIII's sister, [[Margaret Tudor]], Queen of Scots, was lodged there.


[[File:Whitehall1680.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Scotland Yard within Whitehall Palace in 1680, before its destruction by fire in 1691 ]]
By the 17th century, the street housed government buildings and residences for civil servants. The architects [[Inigo Jones]] and [[Christopher Wren]] lived there as did the poet [[John Milton]] from 1649 to 1651, during the [[Commonwealth of England]] under the rule of [[Oliver Cromwell]]. By the late-18th century, the district was associated with prominence and prestige; for example in the 1690s in his satirical ''[[A Tale of a Tub]]'', [[Jonathan Swift]] claimed the regard of "my worthy brethren and friends at [[Will's Coffee House|Will’s Coffee-house]], and [[Gresham College]], and [[St Audoen within Newgate|Warwick Lane]], and [[Moorfields]], and Scotland Yard, and [[Palace of Westminster#Westminster Hall|Westminster Hall]], and [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]]; in short, to all inhabitants and retainers whatsoever, either in court, or church, or camp, or city, or country...".<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4737/4737-h/4737-h.htm |title=A Tale of a Tub |first=Jonathan |last=Swift |author-link=Jonathan Swift |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
By the 17th century, the yard housed government buildings and residences for English civil servants. The architects [[Inigo Jones]] and [[Christopher Wren]] lived there, as did the poet [[John Milton]] from 1649 to 1651, during the [[Commonwealth of England]] under the rule of [[Oliver Cromwell]]. Towards the end of the 17th century, the district was already associated with prominence and prestige; for example in the 1690s in his satirical ''[[A Tale of a Tub]]'', [[Jonathan Swift]] claimed the regard of "my worthy brethren and friends at [[Will's Coffee House|Will's Coffee-house]], and [[Gresham College]], and [[St Audoen within Newgate|Warwick Lane]], and [[Moorfields]], and Scotland Yard, and [[Palace of Westminster#Westminster Hall|Westminster Hall]], and [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]]; in short, to all inhabitants and retainers whatsoever, either in court, or church, or camp, or city, or country...".<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4737/4737-h/4737-h.htm |title=A Tale of a Tub |first=Jonathan |last=Swift |author-link=Jonathan Swift |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>


[[File:The Clarence pub SW1 London.jpg|thumb|upright|"The Clarence" pub at the corner of Great Scotland Yard and Whitehall|alt=|left]]
[[File:The Clarence pub SW1 London.jpg|thumb|upright|"The Clarence" pub at the corner of Great Scotland Yard and Whitehall|alt=|left]]


According to the [[Metropolitan Police Service]], the original Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office at 4 Whitehall Place, had a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard. An 1862 map of Westminster shows the location.<ref name="1862Map">{{cite web |title=Stafford – London & is suburbs |year=1862 |publisher=Motco |type=image database |url=http://www.motco.com/map/81006 |accessdate=21 December 2010}}</ref> Over time, [[Scotland Yard]] was used generally as a [[metonym]] for the police headquarters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/history/great_scotland_yard.htm |title=Great Scotland Yard |publisher=Metropolitan Police Service |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
According to the [[Metropolitan Police Service]], the original Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office at 4 Whitehall Place, had a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard. An 1862 map of Westminster shows the location.<ref name="1862Map">{{cite web |title=Stafford – London & is suburbs |year=1862 |publisher=Motco |type=image database |url=http://www.motco.com/map/81006 |accessdate=21 December 2010}}</ref> Over time, [[Scotland Yard]] was used generally as a [[metonym]] for the police headquarters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/history/great_scotland_yard.htm |title=Great Scotland Yard |publisher=Metropolitan Police Service |accessdate=24 July 2010 |archive-date=8 November 2008 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081108010742/http://www.met.police.uk/history/great_scotland_yard.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>


[[File:Waiter at Clarence Pub, London.jpg|thumb|Interior of Clarence Pub]]
[[File:Waiter at Clarence Pub, London.jpg|thumb|Interior of Caffè Concerto Whitehall]]


[[Richard Horwood]]'s 1799 map of London shows Great Scotland Yard on the eastern side [[Whitehall]], opposite [[British Admiralty#The Admiralty|The Admiralty]]. Below it are two streets that are [[cul-de-sac|culs-de-sac]]: Middle Scotland Yard, where Whitehall Place is today, and Lower Scotland Yard, entered from Middle Scotland Yard. Lower Scotland Yard was where the [[War Office#War Office building|War Office building]] was erected in 1906,<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Horwood |year=1799 |title=Map of London |publisher=Motco |type=image database |url=http://www.motco.com/Map/81005/Sale/imagetwo.asp?Picno=81005869&title |accessdate=21 December 2010}}</ref> but was, according to the 1862 map, renamed Middle Scotland Yard when Whitehall Place, originally a cul-de-sac, took the place of the original Middle Scotland Yard.<ref name="1862Map" />
[[Richard Horwood]]'s 1799 map of London shows Great Scotland Yard on the eastern side of [[Whitehall]], opposite the [[British Admiralty#The Admiralty|Admiralty]]. Below it are two streets that are [[cul-de-sac|culs-de-sac]]: Middle Scotland Yard, where Whitehall Place is today, and Lower Scotland Yard, entered from Middle Scotland Yard. Lower Scotland Yard was where the [[War Office#War Office building|War Office building]] was erected in 1906,<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Horwood |year=1799 |title=Map of London |publisher=Motco |type=image database |url=http://www.motco.com/Map/81005/Sale/imagetwo.asp?Picno=81005869&title |accessdate=21 December 2010}}</ref> but was, according to the 1862 map, renamed Middle Scotland Yard when Whitehall Place, originally a cul-de-sac, took the place of the original Middle Scotland Yard.<ref name="1862Map" />


The Clarence public house, named after the [[Duke of Clarence]], dates from 1896. It was originally attached to the opposite corner of Great Scotland Yard by an archway. The archway was removed during the 1908 redevelopment of Great Scotland Yard, and the end of the building was refaced with slightly different coloured bricks.
The Clarence public house, named after the [[Duke of Clarence]], dates from 1896. It was originally attached to the opposite corner of Great Scotland Yard by an archway. The archway was removed during the 1908 redevelopment of Great Scotland Yard, and the end of the building was refaced with slightly different coloured bricks.
Line 50: Line 51:


== Great Scotland Yard Hotel ==
== Great Scotland Yard Hotel ==
3–5 Great Scotland Yard is now a five-star Hyatt luxury hotel located on Great Scotland Yard road in Westminster. It has a very long and colourful history as it sits on the previous site of the Ministry of Defence Library, but was built in 1906 as the Central London Recruiting Office. The current building has never had any connection with the Metropolitan Police. The hotel has 152 rooms with 15 suites and a stand-alone townhouse located at 1 Great Scotland Yard. The Edwardian townhouse has its own private entrance and has two bedrooms across five floors. The hotel also contains four bars and restaurants and a gym.
3–5 Great Scotland Yard is now a five-star Hyatt luxury hotel located on Great Scotland Yard Road in Westminster. It has a very long history as it sits on the previous site of the Ministry of Defence Library, but was built in 1906 as the Central London Recruiting Office. The hotel has 151 rooms with 15 suites and a stand-alone townhouse located at 1 Great Scotland Yard. The Edwardian townhouse has its own private entrance and has two bedrooms across five floors. The hotel also contains four bars and restaurants and a gym.


The history of the building is split between the back and the front of the hotel.
The history of the building is split between the back and the front of the hotel.
Line 56: Line 57:
=== The back of the hotel ===
=== The back of the hotel ===
==== 997–1541 ====
==== 997–1541 ====
It is said that the Kings of Scotland had part of Whitehall Palace there for their use when they visited London, and this is said to be the origin of the street name "Great Scotland Yard"<ref name=hby>{{cite web |url=http://www.historybytheyard.co.uk/scotland_yard.htm |title=Scotland Yard |website=History by the Yard}}</ref>
It has been claimed that the Kings of Scotland had part of Whitehall Palace for their use when they visited Westminster, and that this is the origin of the name "Great Scotland Yard".<ref name=hby>{{cite web |url=http://www.historybytheyard.co.uk/scotland_yard.htm |title=Scotland Yard |website=History by the Yard}}</ref>


In approximately 997–1105, the property was first given to Kenneth III, King of Scotland as his residence.<ref name=BHO/> The last of the Scottish royal family who resided here was Margaret, Queen of Scots, wife of James IV of Scotland and sister to [[Henry VIII of England|King Henry VIII]]. She resided here after the death of her husband at the Battle of Flodden.<ref name=BHO>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3/pp329-337 |pages=329–337 |title=Old and New London |volume=3 |publisher=Cassell, Petter & Galpin |location=London |date=1878 |chapter=Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3 |via=[[British History Online]]}}</ref>
In approximately 997–1005, a residence was first given to [[Kenneth III of Scotland]], as his residence.<ref name=BHO/> The last of the Scottish royal family who resided here was Margaret, Queen of Scots, wife of James IV of Scotland and sister to [[Henry VIII of England|King Henry VIII]]. She resided here after the death of her husband at the Battle of Flodden.<ref name=BHO>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3/pp329-337 |pages=329–337 |title=Old and New London |volume=3 |publisher=Cassell, Petter & Galpin |location=London |date=1878 |chapter=Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3 |via=[[British History Online]]}}</ref>


==== 1541–1910 ====
==== 1541–1910 ====
After 1541, it was used to house prominent civil servants due to its proximity to [[Palace of Whitehall|Whitehall Palace]]. These included [[Inigo Jones]], who designed Covent Garden, Lincoln Inn Fields and Banqueting House, and [[Christopher Wren]] who designed St Paul's Cathedral and many London churches. The English poet [[John Milton]], who wrote ''[[Paradise Lost]]'', lived on-site from 1649 to 1651.<ref name=BHO/>
After 1541, it was used as the homes of prominent civil servants due to its proximity to [[Palace of Whitehall|Whitehall Palace]]. These included [[Inigo Jones]], who designed Covent Garden, Lincoln Inn Fields and Banqueting House, and [[Christopher Wren]] who designed St Paul's Cathedral and many London churches. The English poet [[John Milton]], who wrote ''[[Paradise Lost]]'', lived on-site from 1649 to 1651.<ref name=BHO/>
[[File:(5)_UK_National_Archives_CRES_35_2043_Premises_occupied_by_the_Metropolitan_Police.jpg|thumb|Premises occupied by the Metropolitan Police from 1837.]]
[[File:(5)_UK_National_Archives_CRES_35_2043_Premises_occupied_by_the_Metropolitan_Police.jpg|thumb|Premises occupied by the Metropolitan Police from 1837.]]


Line 75: Line 76:


==== 1812–1874 ====
==== 1812–1874 ====
Not much changed between these years and the building continued to be used as the Royal Stables. Then, in 1873 the [[Metropolitan Police]] brought the stables from the [[Waterloo and Whitehall Railway]] company and built the ‘Hackney Carriage & Detective Department’ in 1874. The building was the first dedicated space for the detective department and was where all the high-profile cases were processed and high-profile prisoners were held.
Not much changed between these years and the building continued to be used as the Royal Stables. Then, in 1873 the [[Metropolitan Police]] brought the stables from the [[Waterloo and Whitehall Railway]] company and built the Hackney Carriage and Detective Department in 1874. The building was the first dedicated space for the detective department and was where all the high-profile cases were processed and high-profile prisoners were held.


The striking and individual architecture of Great Scotland Yard is recognisable and iconic to many worldwide. Its Edwardian red brick, Portland stone and the famous green doors were all part of the 1874 design. The green doors have borne witness to many historic events and characters and have become a symbol and shorthand for Great Scotland Yard as part of the city of London's rich heritage.
The striking and individual architecture of Great Scotland Yard is recognisable and iconic to many worldwide. Its Edwardian red brick, Portland stone and the famous green doors were all part of the 1874 design. The green doors have borne witness to many historic events and characters and have become a symbol and shorthand for Great Scotland Yard as part of the city of London's rich heritage.


==== 1874–1910 ====
==== 1874–1910 ====
On the 30th May 1884, the [[Fenian]]s exploded a bomb at the location, which blew a hole in the wall of Scotland Yard, and damaged the Rising Sun public house. People came to inspect the damage, and the proprietor charged 3[[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|d]] ({{inflation|UK|start_year=1884|0.0125|fmt=eq|cursign=£|r=2}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}} a head for spectators, and his premises thereby gained unsought popularity.<ref name=hby/>
On 30 May 1884, the [[Fenian]]s exploded a bomb at the location, which blew a hole in the wall of Scotland Yard, and damaged the Rising Sun public house. People came to inspect the damage, and the proprietor charged 3[[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|d]] ({{inflation|UK|start_year=1884|0.0125|fmt=eq|cursign=£|r=2}}){{Inflation/fn|UK}} a head for spectators, and his premises thereby gained unsought attention.<ref name=hby/>


Later that year, the Metropolitan Police repaired the building and converted it to accommodate living quarters for the [[Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis|Police Commissioner]] and his top deputies on the first floor. The façade as we know it was re-done in 1910, along with the sides of the hotel, creating the building as we know it now.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.galliardhomes.com/media-centre/corporate-news/galliard-complete-the-construction-of-the-new-great-scotland-yard-hotel |title=Galliard Complete The Construction of The New Great Scotland Yard Hotel |publisher=Galliard Homes |date=April 4, 2019}}</ref>[[File:Army Recruitment Office.jpg|thumb|Army Recruitment Office – August 1914]]
Later that year, the Metropolitan Police repaired the building and converted it to accommodate living quarters for the [[Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis|Police Commissioner]] and his top deputies on the first floor. The façade as we know it was refurbished in 1910, along with the sides of the hotel, creating the building as we know it now.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.galliardhomes.com/media-centre/corporate-news/galliard-complete-the-construction-of-the-new-great-scotland-yard-hotel |title=Galliard Complete The Construction of The New Great Scotland Yard Hotel |publisher=Galliard Homes |date=4 April 2019}}</ref>[[File:Army Recruitment Office.jpg|thumb|Army Recruitment Office – August 1914]]


==== History of the whole building 1910–2013 ====
==== History of the whole building, 1910–2013 ====
The current Edwardian building was completed in 1910 and served as the British Army Recruitment Office for World War I and World War 2. It was used by the Ministry of Defence until 2013, first as a recruitment office and then as a library until 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/26/original-scotland-yard-police-station-luxury-hotel-110m-development |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Scotland Yard to become luxury hotel in £110m development |first=Terry |last=Macalister |date=26 July 2015}}</ref>
The current Edwardian building was completed in 1910 and served as the British Army Recruitment Office for World War I and World War 2. It was used by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] until 2013, first as a recruitment office and then as a library until 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/26/original-scotland-yard-police-station-luxury-hotel-110m-development |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Scotland Yard to become luxury hotel in £110m development |first=Terry |last=Macalister |date=26 July 2015}}</ref>


In 2013 the lease of the building was purchased by [[Lulu International Exchange|LuLu Group]] for £110&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scotland-yard-opens-as-hotel-for-the-super-rich-mkmffclxf |work=[[The Times]] |url-access=subscription |title=Scotland Yard opens as hotel for the super‑rich |first=Louisa |last=Clarence-Smith |date=March 23, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1597006/corporate-news |work=Arab News |url-access=|title=LuLu opens iconic Scotland Yard Hotel in London|date=August 26, 2020}}</ref>
In 2013, the building was purchased by the UAE company LuLu Group for £110&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scotland-yard-opens-as-hotel-for-the-super-rich-mkmffclxf |work=[[The Times]] |title=Scotland Yard opens as hotel for the super‑rich |first=Louisa |last=Clarence-Smith |date=23 March 2019|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1597006/corporate-news |work=Arab News |url-access=|title=LuLu opens iconic Scotland Yard Hotel in London|date=26 August 2020}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/watch-uae-based-businessman-yusuff-ali-reunites-with-classmates-after-52-years-donates-over-dh200 | title=Watch: UAE-based businessman Yusuff Ali reunites with classmates after 52 years, donates over Dh200,000 to alma mater }}</ref>


== Filming location ==
== Filming location ==
A World War II scene in the 2007 movie ''[[Atonement (2007 film)|Atonement]]'' with [[Keira Knightley]] and [[James McAvoy]] was produced in this road, as was a scene from ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]''. The road was also used as part of the car chase scene from the James Bond film ''[[Skyfall]]''.
A World War II scene in the motion picture ''[[Atonement (2007 film)|Atonement]]'' (2007) with [[Keira Knightley]] and [[James McAvoy]] was filmed in this road, as was a scene from ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]'' (2010). The road was also used as part of the car chase scene from the James Bond film ''[[Skyfall]]'' (2012).{{fact|date=July 2022}}. It was also used for the opening scene of the [[Marvel Studios]] film ''[[Doctor Strange (2016 film)|Doctor Strange]]'' in 2016.


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 17:52, 4 September 2024

Great Scotland Yard
Great Scotland Yard, at the junction with Scotland Place
LocationWestminster, Greater London
Postal codeSW1
Nearest train stationNational Rail Charing Cross
London Underground Charing Cross
Coordinates51°30′23″N 0°07′32″W / 51.5064°N 0.1256°W / 51.5064; -0.1256

Great Scotland Yard is a street in Westminster, London, connecting Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall. By the 16th century, this "yard", which was then a series of open courtyards within the Palace of Whitehall, was fronted by buildings used by diplomatic representatives of the Kingdom of Scotland. Over time the land was divided into Great Scotland Yard, Middle Scotland Yard and Little Scotland Yard. [1] In the 19th century, it was a street and open space, which was the location of a public entrance to the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London, causing the name "Scotland Yard" to become synonymous with the police service.

History

[edit]
Street sign of Great Scotland Yard

Although the etymology is not certain, according to a 1964 article in The New York Times, the name derives from buildings that accommodated the diplomatic representatives of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Scottish kings when they visited the English court[2] – in effect, acting as the Scottish embassy, although such an institution was not formalized. Scotland Yard was certainly built and so-named by 1515, as Henry VIII's sister, Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots, was lodged there.

Scotland Yard within Whitehall Palace in 1680, before its destruction by fire in 1691

By the 17th century, the yard housed government buildings and residences for English civil servants. The architects Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren lived there, as did the poet John Milton from 1649 to 1651, during the Commonwealth of England under the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Towards the end of the 17th century, the district was already associated with prominence and prestige; for example in the 1690s in his satirical A Tale of a Tub, Jonathan Swift claimed the regard of "my worthy brethren and friends at Will's Coffee-house, and Gresham College, and Warwick Lane, and Moorfields, and Scotland Yard, and Westminster Hall, and Guildhall; in short, to all inhabitants and retainers whatsoever, either in court, or church, or camp, or city, or country...".[3]

"The Clarence" pub at the corner of Great Scotland Yard and Whitehall

According to the Metropolitan Police Service, the original Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office at 4 Whitehall Place, had a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard. An 1862 map of Westminster shows the location.[4] Over time, Scotland Yard was used generally as a metonym for the police headquarters.[5]

Interior of Caffè Concerto Whitehall

Richard Horwood's 1799 map of London shows Great Scotland Yard on the eastern side of Whitehall, opposite the Admiralty. Below it are two streets that are culs-de-sac: Middle Scotland Yard, where Whitehall Place is today, and Lower Scotland Yard, entered from Middle Scotland Yard. Lower Scotland Yard was where the War Office building was erected in 1906,[6] but was, according to the 1862 map, renamed Middle Scotland Yard when Whitehall Place, originally a cul-de-sac, took the place of the original Middle Scotland Yard.[4]

The Clarence public house, named after the Duke of Clarence, dates from 1896. It was originally attached to the opposite corner of Great Scotland Yard by an archway. The archway was removed during the 1908 redevelopment of Great Scotland Yard, and the end of the building was refaced with slightly different coloured bricks.

Since 1953, The Civil Service Club has been based in the Old Fire House at numbers 13–15, and is a social club for current and former members of the Civil Service.

Great Scotland Yard Hotel

[edit]

3–5 Great Scotland Yard is now a five-star Hyatt luxury hotel located on Great Scotland Yard Road in Westminster. It has a very long history as it sits on the previous site of the Ministry of Defence Library, but was built in 1906 as the Central London Recruiting Office. The hotel has 151 rooms with 15 suites and a stand-alone townhouse located at 1 Great Scotland Yard. The Edwardian townhouse has its own private entrance and has two bedrooms across five floors. The hotel also contains four bars and restaurants and a gym.

The history of the building is split between the back and the front of the hotel.

The back of the hotel

[edit]

997–1541

[edit]

It has been claimed that the Kings of Scotland had part of Whitehall Palace for their use when they visited Westminster, and that this is the origin of the name "Great Scotland Yard".[7]

In approximately 997–1005, a residence was first given to Kenneth III of Scotland, as his residence.[8] The last of the Scottish royal family who resided here was Margaret, Queen of Scots, wife of James IV of Scotland and sister to King Henry VIII. She resided here after the death of her husband at the Battle of Flodden.[8]

1541–1910

[edit]

After 1541, it was used as the homes of prominent civil servants due to its proximity to Whitehall Palace. These included Inigo Jones, who designed Covent Garden, Lincoln Inn Fields and Banqueting House, and Christopher Wren who designed St Paul's Cathedral and many London churches. The English poet John Milton, who wrote Paradise Lost, lived on-site from 1649 to 1651.[8]

Premises occupied by the Metropolitan Police from 1837.

This house was originally named the Marshalsea Court House. There were also numerous private residences until 1910. On the right-hand side of the Marshalsea Court House were Royal Stables constructed before 1812 (exact date unknown). They were the stables for the Admiralty and then was used by the police from 1837 onwards. The police also expanded into the Marshalsea Court House from 1847.

The current building as we know it was constructed in 1910.[9]

The front of the hotel

[edit]

Pre-1812

[edit]

Not much is known about this space. It is likely that it was an empty courtyard until 1812, where a coach house and reservoir were built to house the king's horses and stewards.

UK National Archives MPEE 1 105 Middlesex Westminster (now in the London Borough of Westminster)

1812–1874

[edit]

Not much changed between these years and the building continued to be used as the Royal Stables. Then, in 1873 the Metropolitan Police brought the stables from the Waterloo and Whitehall Railway company and built the Hackney Carriage and Detective Department in 1874. The building was the first dedicated space for the detective department and was where all the high-profile cases were processed and high-profile prisoners were held.

The striking and individual architecture of Great Scotland Yard is recognisable and iconic to many worldwide. Its Edwardian red brick, Portland stone and the famous green doors were all part of the 1874 design. The green doors have borne witness to many historic events and characters and have become a symbol and shorthand for Great Scotland Yard as part of the city of London's rich heritage.

1874–1910

[edit]

On 30 May 1884, the Fenians exploded a bomb at the location, which blew a hole in the wall of Scotland Yard, and damaged the Rising Sun public house. People came to inspect the damage, and the proprietor charged 3d (equivalent to £1.65 in 2023)[10] a head for spectators, and his premises thereby gained unsought attention.[7]

Later that year, the Metropolitan Police repaired the building and converted it to accommodate living quarters for the Police Commissioner and his top deputies on the first floor. The façade as we know it was refurbished in 1910, along with the sides of the hotel, creating the building as we know it now.[11]

Army Recruitment Office – August 1914

History of the whole building, 1910–2013

[edit]

The current Edwardian building was completed in 1910 and served as the British Army Recruitment Office for World War I and World War 2. It was used by the Ministry of Defence until 2013, first as a recruitment office and then as a library until 2004.[12]

In 2013, the building was purchased by the UAE company LuLu Group for £110 million.[13][14] [15]

Filming location

[edit]

A World War II scene in the motion picture Atonement (2007) with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy was filmed in this road, as was a scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010). The road was also used as part of the car chase scene from the James Bond film Skyfall (2012).[citation needed]. It was also used for the opening scene of the Marvel Studios film Doctor Strange in 2016.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Scotland_Yard_name".
  2. ^ Farnsworth, Clyde H. (15 May 1964). "Move is planned by Scotland Yard". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Swift, Jonathan. A Tale of a Tub. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  4. ^ a b "Stafford – London & is suburbs" (image database). Motco. 1862. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  5. ^ "Great Scotland Yard". Metropolitan Police Service. Archived from the original on 8 November 2008. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  6. ^ Horwood, Richard (1799). "Map of London" (image database). Motco. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Scotland Yard". History by the Yard.
  8. ^ a b c "Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police". Old and New London. Vol. 3. London: Cassell, Petter & Galpin. 1878. pp. 329–337 – via British History Online.
  9. ^ "Map Images". National Library of Scotland.
  10. ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Galliard Complete The Construction of The New Great Scotland Yard Hotel". Galliard Homes. 4 April 2019.
  12. ^ Macalister, Terry (26 July 2015). "Scotland Yard to become luxury hotel in £110m development". The Guardian.
  13. ^ Clarence-Smith, Louisa (23 March 2019). "Scotland Yard opens as hotel for the super‑rich". The Times.
  14. ^ "LuLu opens iconic Scotland Yard Hotel in London". Arab News. 26 August 2020.
  15. ^ "Watch: UAE-based businessman Yusuff Ali reunites with classmates after 52 years, donates over Dh200,000 to alma mater".
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Great Scotland Yard.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Great_Scotland_Yard&oldid=1244033167"