Get access to see location
Fabled police box not at Trafalgar Square
Category

Sightseeing

Age requirement

All ages

Message from Irene Pila

The myth that a tiny round cubicle in Trafalgar Square is London’s smallest police station was widely accepted throughout history. However, while the box fits no more than two people at a time, its purpose was never as a police station. Instead, it was created to be a ‘silence cabinet’, with a direct phone line to Scotland Yard whenever the police phone was ringing. Its flashing light would alert officers of any trouble taking place in Trafalgar Square. After radio communications became available in the 1970s, the box naturally stopped being used and repurposed into a storage cupboard for Westminster Council cleaners. Despite being a rather run-of-the-mill storage space nowadays, the police box stands as an interesting reminder of years gone by – providing a brief glimpse of the cultural history behind London’s iconic Trafalgar Square.

Want to see more?

I have created an interactive travel guide to help people travel like me. Used for unforgettable trips

Nearby local secrets
Recommended byIrene Pila

Creators are the next-gen
travel advisors and operators

Planning your trip through social media? Now, easily access travel advice and tours created by the world's best travel content creators
Rexby
Explore
Purchases
Messages
Log in