A little piece of secret history in London
Britains Smallest Police Station Trafalgar Square tucked in a pillar with a light on top. You will of walked passed it numerous times but may not of noticed. People rush to have their photo taken among the lions or sit round the fountains but rarely notice this interesting piece of history.
Opened in 1926 to control crowds and political protests in the square it was just big enough to house a burly police officer. It had a telephone line straight to charing cross police station to call for back up.
It was soon closed due to it not being that helpful, the light on top would also flash when help was needed. Let’s face it you would be a sitting duck hidden inside if the whole of trafalger square kicked off!
It wasn’t to last long and is now used as a cleaner’s cupboard for Westminster council. Thank you for reading my little piece of London history you can read more here.
D x
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Alex Brown
Friday 26th of May 2017
Officers from the local police station were a given key to this box. The telephone line would not have gone to Charing Cross Police Station; it was a hospital when this was being used CX opened in '92). It may have gone to Canon Row (which is the new New Scotland Yard, or the original Canon Row, which was off Bridge Street, near the original Scotland Yard, before New Scotland Yard was opened in Victoria Street. (is that clear?) It fits two people...long story
likelovedo
Friday 26th of May 2017
Thank you Alex, I did try and find the information online but there were a few posts.I originally read it was Cannon row thanks for the info I will change it x
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
I've walked past this many times and never really noticed it before. So interesting to read about the history. Next time I'm in Trafalgar Square I will have to look out for it :-)
donswish
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
its amazing what you can walk past x
Elaine Livingstone
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
I totally agree so many of us walk round with our eyes shut and do not notice the obvious. Lovely bit of interesting history, and like its modern day use. #mysundayphoto
donswish
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
yes perfect place for a broom xx
Cheryl | TimeToCraft
Sunday 14th of May 2017
I didn't know that. A treasure hidden in plain sight. How interesting. Must feel very unusual collected a broom or mop from it. #MySundayPhoto
donswish
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
haha yes it must! x
Kim Carberry
Sunday 14th of May 2017
Ahh! That is so interesting. I didn't know it existed. How cute x
donswish
Sunday 14th of May 2017
Thanks, it was a while before I did x