Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, the territorial police force responsible for policing Greater London. Its name derives from the location of the original Metropolitan Police headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place, which had its main public entrance on the Westminster street called Great Scotland Yard.
Key Facts
- Original Location: The original Scotland Yard was located at 4 Whitehall Place in Westminster, London. It had its main public entrance on Great Scotland Yard, which gave the headquarters its name.
- Victoria Embankment: In 1890, the Metropolitan Police headquarters moved to a newly constructed building on Victoria Embankment, also known as New Scotland Yard. Over time, additional buildings were added to the complex.
- Broadway: In 1967, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police moved to a new building at 8-10 Broadway, which bordered Victoria Street. This building was later sold to the Abu Dhabi Financial Group in 2014.
- Curtis Green Building: In May 2013, it was announced that the New Scotland Yard building on Broadway would be sold, and the headquarters would be moved back to the Curtis Green Building on the Victoria Embankment. The Curtis Green Building was previously the Territorial Policing headquarters and is adjacent to the original New Scotland Yard.
- Current Location: The move to the Curtis Green Building was completed on October 31, 2016. The building was officially renamed New Scotland Yard.
Original Location
The original Scotland Yard was established in 1829 at 4 Whitehall Place in Westminster, London. The building had its main public entrance on Great Scotland Yard, which gave the headquarters its name.
Victoria Embankment
In 1890, the Metropolitan Police headquarters moved to a newly constructed building on the Victoria Embankment, also known as New Scotland Yard. Over time, additional buildings were added to the complex.
Broadway
In 1967, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police moved to a new building at 8-10 Broadway, which bordered Victoria Street. This building was later sold to the Abu Dhabi Financial Group in 2014.
Curtis Green Building
In May 2013, it was announced that the New Scotland Yard building on Broadway would be sold, and the headquarters would be moved back to the Curtis Green Building on the Victoria Embankment. The Curtis Green Building was previously the Territorial Policing headquarters and is adjacent to the original New Scotland Yard.
Current Location
The move to the Curtis Green Building was completed on October 31, 2016. The building was officially renamed New Scotland Yard.
Sources
- New Scotland Yard (building)
- Scotland Yard
- Why is Scotland Yard called Scotland Yard, when it’s based in London – not Scotland?
FAQs
Where is Scotland Yard located?
Scotland Yard is located on the Victoria Embankment in Westminster, London.
Why is it called Scotland Yard?
Scotland Yard was originally located at 4 Whitehall Place, which had its main public entrance on Great Scotland Yard.
When did Scotland Yard move to its current location?
Scotland Yard moved to its current location in October 2016.
What is the name of the building that Scotland Yard is currently housed in?
Scotland Yard is currently housed in the Curtis Green Building.
How many times has Scotland Yard moved?
Scotland Yard has moved four times.
What is the closest tube station to Scotland Yard?
The closest tube station to Scotland Yard is Westminster station.
Is Scotland Yard open to the public?
No, Scotland Yard is not open to the public.
Can I take a tour of Scotland Yard?
Yes, you can take a guided tour of Scotland Yard. Tours must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.