What is the official name for Scotland Yard, and what is its primary function?

The official name for Scotland Yard is New Scotland Yard. It serves as the headquarters for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), which is the territorial police force responsible for policing Greater London's 32 boroughs.

What geographical areas does the Metropolitan Police Service cover, and what areas are excluded?

The Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for policing Greater London's 32 boroughs. However, it does not cover the City of London, which is policed by the City of London Police, nor does it cover the London Underground or National Rail networks, which are the responsibility of the British Transport Police.

How did the name 'Scotland Yard' originate?

The name 'Scotland Yard' originated from the location of the original Metropolitan Police headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place. This building had its main public entrance on a Westminster street called Great Scotland Yard. Over time, this entrance became synonymous with the police headquarters, and the name 'Scotland Yard' evolved into a metonym for the entire Metropolitan Police Service and its officers.

In what way is the use of 'Scotland Yard' as a name compared to 'Wall Street'?

Similar to how 'Wall Street' became a name representing New York's financial district, 'Scotland Yard' became the widely recognized name for police activity in London, particularly referring to the Metropolitan Police Service and its detectives.

When was the Metropolitan Police Service established, and under which act?

The Metropolitan Police Service was established in 1829 through the implementation of the Metropolitan Police Act, which was passed by Parliament that year. This foundational act was brought about by Robert Peel.

Who were the first two commissioners of the Metropolitan Police, and where did they initially operate?

The first two commissioners were Charles Rowan and Richard Mayne. They, along with other police staff, occupied the first headquarters located at 4 Whitehall Place, which backed onto Great Scotland Yard.

What significant historical event occurred during the construction of the Victoria Embankment building in 1888?

In 1888, while workers were constructing the new building on Victoria Embankment, they discovered the dismembered torso of a female. This unsolved case became known as the 'Whitehall Mystery'.

What was the initial address of Scotland Yard, and what was its subsequent move?

Scotland Yard's initial headquarters were located at 4 Whitehall Place. By 1890, the force had outgrown this site and moved to a new headquarters designed by Richard Norman Shaw on the Victoria Embankment, which was named New Scotland Yard.

What architectural style is associated with the Metropolitan Police's second headquarters?

The second headquarters, established in 1890 on the Victoria Embankment, was designed by architect Richard Norman Shaw. These buildings are now known as the Norman Shaw Buildings and are a Grade I listed structure.

How did the size of the Metropolitan Police influence the need for new headquarters?

By 1890, the Metropolitan Police had grown significantly from its initial 1,000 officers to approximately 13,000. This expansion necessitated more administrative staff and a larger headquarters, leading to the move to the Victoria Embankment site and subsequent additions in 1906 and 1940.

When did Scotland Yard move to its Broadway location, and what was the significance of this move?

In 1967, the Metropolitan Police Service consolidated its headquarters from its three-building complex on Victoria Embankment to a new, tall building constructed on Broadway in Victoria. This marked a significant shift in location for the force's central administration.

What happened to the 8-10 Broadway building that previously housed New Scotland Yard?

The building at 8-10 Broadway was sold in December 2014 for £370 million to the Abu Dhabi Financial Group. Redevelopment plans were approved in February 2016, and the building began demolition later that year after the MPS completed its relocation.

Where is the current headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service located?

The current headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service is located at the Curtis Green Building on the Victoria Embankment in Westminster, which was renamed 'New Scotland Yard' upon the force's move there in 2016.

When did the Metropolitan Police move to their current headquarters at the Curtis Green Building?

The Metropolitan Police staff moved from the 10 Broadway building to their new headquarters at the Curtis Green Building on Victoria Embankment on October 31, 2016.

What event led to the postponement of the Royal opening of the current New Scotland Yard building?

The planned Royal opening of the current New Scotland Yard building by Queen Elizabeth II in March 2017 was postponed due to the terrorist attack that occurred the previous day at Westminster.

Does the current Scotland Yard building house the Metropolitan Police's Crime Museum?

Yes, like its predecessors, the current New Scotland Yard building houses the Met's Crime Museum, which was founded in 1874 and is also known as the Black Museum. This collection of criminal memorabilia is not open to the public.

How has Scotland Yard been represented in popular culture since the Victorian era?

Since the Victorian era, Scotland Yard has been a prominent feature in popular culture, appearing in literature, films, and television. It was notably associated with the Jack the Ripper investigations and the Sherlock Holmes stories, establishing its image in the public consciousness.

Which novel is considered perhaps the earliest clear example of the police procedural genre, and what was its connection to Scotland Yard?

Wilkie Collins' novel *The Moonstone*, published in 1868, is described as perhaps the earliest clear example of the police procedural genre. The story features a Scotland Yard Detective investigating the theft of a valuable diamond.

In which Robert Louis Stevenson novella does a Scotland Yard detective appear?

A Scotland Yard Detective named Inspector Newcomen appears in Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic novella *Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde* (1886). He explores Hyde's loft and discovers evidence of his depraved life.

Which Alfred Hitchcock film, considered a landmark in British cinema, featured a Scotland Yard detective?

Alfred Hitchcock's 1929 thriller film *Blackmail*, widely regarded as the first British 'talkie' (sound film), featured a Scotland Yard Detective named Frank Webber, played by John Longden.

In which television series did Columbo visit Scotland Yard to study investigative techniques?

In the 1972 episode of the television series *Columbo* titled 'Dagger of the Mind', the titular detective visits Scotland Yard to observe their investigative methods while consulting on a murder case in London.

How is Scotland Yard depicted in the Monty Python comedy sketch 'The Funniest Joke in the World'?

In the Monty Python sketch 'The Funniest Joke in the World', Graham Chapman plays a Scotland Yard Inspector who leaves a house carrying the joke, only to die from laughter shortly after.

Which video game features a fictional version of New Scotland Yard as an Albion-controlled site?

The video game *Watch Dogs: Legion* features a fictional version of New Scotland Yard, depicting it as a location controlled by the Albion security force.

What is the significance of the Norman Shaw Buildings in relation to Scotland Yard's history?

The Norman Shaw Buildings on Victoria Embankment served as the Metropolitan Police headquarters from 1890 until 1967. These buildings, originally designed by Richard Norman Shaw, are now a Grade I listed structure.

What was the public telephone number for Scotland Yard for many years?

For many years, the main public telephone number for Scotland Yard was 'Whitehall 1212'.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article regarding Scotland Yard?

The 'See also' section provides links to related topics, such as 'Whitehall 1212' (its former phone number), 'Sakurada Gate' (a metonym for Tokyo's police department), and a list of law enforcement agencies in the UK, offering further context and related information.

What is the significance of the image caption 'The iconic sign outside the New Scotland Yard came to prominence when it was first located outside an earlier Scotland Yard building'?

This caption highlights that the well-known sign associated with New Scotland Yard was actually first displayed at a previous Scotland Yard location, indicating a continuity of branding and identity despite changes in physical headquarters.

What does the image caption '8 and 9 Great Scotland Yard (far left, with clock), next to the Public Carriage Office (right) at 4 Whitehall Place, Westminster, London, and right, a commemorative blue plaque on the building now on the site of 4 Whitehall Place' describe?

This caption describes the historical buildings at 8 and 9 Great Scotland Yard, adjacent to the Public Carriage Office at 4 Whitehall Place in Westminster, London. It also mentions a blue plaque commemorating the site of the original 4 Whitehall Place building.

What does the image caption 'The "New" Scotland Yard (built 1890 and 1906), now called the Norman Shaw Buildings; at the far right is the Curtis Green Building (white), which became New Scotland Yard in November 2016' convey?

This caption explains that the buildings constructed in 1890 and 1906, which were known as 'New Scotland Yard', are now referred to as the Norman Shaw Buildings. It also points out the Curtis Green Building to the right, which became the location of New Scotland Yard in November 2016.

What does the image caption 'The former New Scotland Yard building in Victoria Street' refer to?

This caption refers to the building located at 8-10 Broadway in Victoria Street, which served as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service from 1967 until its sale and demolition after 2016.

What does the image caption 'The current site of New Scotland Yard, formerly the Curtis Green Building' indicate?

This caption identifies the current location of New Scotland Yard as the Curtis Green Building, indicating a recent move and renaming of the Metropolitan Police Service's headquarters.

What does the image caption 'Rotating sign' refer to in the context of Scotland Yard?

This caption likely refers to a sign at the current New Scotland Yard location that features a rotating element, possibly part of its modern design or signage system.

What is the purpose of the 'External links' section in the article?

The 'External links' section provides direct links to additional resources for further information, such as the Metropolitan Police's organizational structure, a historical article from Smithsonian.com, and Wikimedia Commons for related media.

What is the significance of the reference to 'Sakurada Gate' in the 'See also' section?

The reference to 'Sakurada Gate' (Sakuradamon) is included because it serves as a metonym for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, similar to how 'Scotland Yard' functions as a metonym for the Metropolitan Police Service in London.

What does the inclusion of 'Whitehall 1212' in the 'See also' section signify?

The inclusion of 'Whitehall 1212' signifies its historical importance as the main public telephone number for Scotland Yard for an extended period.

What is the role of Richard Norman Shaw in the history of Scotland Yard's buildings?

Richard Norman Shaw was the architect responsible for designing the new headquarters for the Metropolitan Police on the Victoria Embankment, which was completed in 1890 and named New Scotland Yard. These buildings are now known as the Norman Shaw Buildings.

What was the 'Metropolitan Police Act' passed in 1829?

The Metropolitan Police Act, passed in 1829, was the legislation that established the Metropolitan Police Service in London. Robert Peel was instrumental in its implementation.

Who were Eugène-François Vidocq and Robert Peel in relation to Scotland Yard's founding?

Robert Peel was responsible for the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, which founded the Metropolitan Police Service. Eugène-François Vidocq assisted Peel in selecting the original site for the new police headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place.

What is the function of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) mentioned in the article?

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) was responsible for the freehold purchase of 10 Broadway in 2008 and its subsequent sale in 2014. It played a role in the financial management and property transactions related to the Scotland Yard headquarters.

What does the term 'metonym' mean in the context of Scotland Yard?

A metonym is a word or phrase that is used to stand in for another word or concept. In the context of Scotland Yard, the name of the headquarters building became a metonym for the entire Metropolitan Police Service and its officers, particularly detectives.

What is the significance of the Norman Shaw Buildings being a Grade I listed structure?

The Norman Shaw Buildings being a Grade I listed structure means they are recognized as buildings of exceptional architectural and historic importance, requiring preservation and protection.

What is the Crime Museum, and where is it located?

The Crime Museum, formerly known as the Black Museum, is a collection of criminal memorabilia founded in 1874. It is housed within the current New Scotland Yard building but is not accessible to the public.

How has Scotland Yard's presence in popular culture evolved over time?

Scotland Yard's portrayal in popular culture has evolved from its association with Victorian crime cases like Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes stories to being featured in early police procedural novels, classic films like Hitchcock's *Blackmail*, modern TV shows like *Columbo*, comedy sketches, video games, and book series, cementing its iconic status.

What specific role did the 'Public Carriage Office' play in relation to the original Scotland Yard?

The Public Carriage Office was located at 4 Whitehall Place, which served as the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. The building now on that site still has a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard.

What is the historical significance of the buildings at 8 and 9 Great Scotland Yard?

The buildings at 8 and 9 Great Scotland Yard, used from 1842, served as the central headquarters for the Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch. These buildings were damaged in an 1884 Fenian bomb attack.

What is the purpose of the coordinates provided for Scotland Yard?

The coordinates provide the precise geographical location of Scotland Yard, allowing for mapping and navigation. They are given in both latitude/longitude format and degrees/minutes/seconds.

What does the term 'territorial police force' mean in the context of the Metropolitan Police Service?

A territorial police force is a police service responsible for policing a specific geographical area. In this case, the Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for policing the defined area of Greater London.

What is the significance of the 'infobox' in the article?

The infobox provides a concise summary of key information about Scotland Yard, including its alternative names, address, location (town, city, country), and geographical coordinates, offering a quick overview for the reader.

What is the significance of the 'hatnote' at the beginning of the article?

The hatnote, which reads 'For other uses, see Scotland Yard (disambiguation)', serves to direct readers who may be looking for different meanings or contexts of 'Scotland Yard' to a separate disambiguation page.

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A Legacy of Policing

Genesis of the Met

Scotland Yard's origins trace back to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Service by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, following the Metropolitan Police Act. The initial headquarters were situated at 4 Whitehall Place, with a public entrance on Great Scotland Yard, a street that lent the institution its enduring name.

Evolution of Locations

Over time, the Metropolitan Police outgrew its initial premises. By 1890, a new headquarters was established on Victoria Embankment, adopting the name "New Scotland Yard." This marked the first of several significant relocations, including a move to Broadway in 1967, before returning to the Victoria Embankment area with the acquisition of the Curtis Green Building in 2016.

Continuous Development

The physical presence of Scotland Yard has evolved through multiple buildings and expansions. From the original Whitehall Place site to the multi-building complex on Victoria Embankment, and later the Broadway location, each phase reflects the growing scale and operational needs of the Metropolitan Police Service.

Key Addresses Through Time

4 Whitehall Place

The original headquarters, established in 1829. This location backed onto Great Scotland Yard, giving the force its famous moniker. The site now houses parts of government offices.

Victoria Embankment (Norman Shaw Buildings)

Opened in 1890, this new site became known as "New Scotland Yard." Subsequent buildings were added in 1906 and 1940. These original structures are now known as the Norman Shaw Buildings.

8-10 Broadway

In 1967, the headquarters relocated to a modern building on Broadway. This site was later sold and redeveloped, with the Metropolitan Police vacating it in 2016.

Current Site (Curtis Green Building)

Since 2016, the Metropolitan Police headquarters has been located in the Curtis Green Building on Victoria Embankment, renamed "New Scotland Yard," continuing the tradition.

Operational Scope

Geographic Responsibility

The Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for law enforcement across Greater London's 32 boroughs. This jurisdiction notably excludes the City of London, which has its own police force, and specific transport networks managed by British Transport Police.

Key Units

The organization encompasses various specialized units, including counter-terrorism, protection command, territorial support, and economic crime units, reflecting the diverse challenges of policing a major global city.

Cultural Resonance

Literary and Media Presence

Scotland Yard has been a prominent fixture in literature and media since the Victorian era. It featured in accounts of the Jack the Ripper investigations and inspired fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes. Early police procedurals, such as Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, cemented its place in popular culture.

Cinematic Portrayals

From Alfred Hitchcock's early sound film Blackmail to modern adaptations and video games like Watch Dogs: Legion, Scotland Yard and its detectives have been frequently depicted, often symbolizing British law enforcement and the intricacies of criminal investigation.

Sources

Cited Information

The content presented here is derived from publicly available data. For detailed sourcing and further information, please refer to the comprehensive list of references.

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References

John Moylan, Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police, 1929, pp. 93â4

A full list of references for this article are available at the Scotland Yard Wikipedia page

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The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

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A Legacy of Policing 📜

🏛️ Genesis of the Met

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Key Addresses Through Time 📍

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🌉 Victoria Embankment (Norman Shaw Buildings)

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Operational Scope 🌐

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Legacy of Policing

Genesis of the Met

Evolution of Locations

Continuous Development

Key Addresses Through Time

4 Whitehall Place

Victoria Embankment (Norman Shaw Buildings)

8-10 Broadway

Current Site (Curtis Green Building)

Operational Scope

Geographic Responsibility

Key Units

Cultural Resonance

Literary and Media Presence

Cinematic Portrayals

Sources

Cited Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Notice

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer