Scotland Yard

In 1829, the British established the first Metropolitan Police Force in England. Two policemen (commissioners), Colonel Charles Rowan and Richard Mayne, had the job of organising this foce. They set up an office in a private house at 4 Whitehall Place. At the back of the house, there was a courtyard, and they used this courtyard as a police station. Here the Metropolitan Police became known as Scotland Yard.

There are two stories of how Scotland Yard got its name. The first says that the house once belonged to the Kings of Scotland. When they or their ambassadors were in London, they stayed here. They called it "Scotland", so the courtyard was called Scotland Yard. The second story states that one of the streets at the back of the house had the words "Scotland Yard" in its name. This is because a Scot owned that land in the Middles Ages.

When most people talk about Scotland Yard, they mean the London branch of the police. This is actually called the Criminal Investigation Department. Scotland Yard is well known all over the world. It is famous for its ability to solve the most puzzling crimes.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002