The Tiny Police Station in Trafalgar Square You’ve Definitely Missed
You’ve probably stood right next to it... and never realised.
Welcome to one of London’s quirkiest hidden curiosities: the tiny police station in Trafalgar Square. Yes, really—a police station so small it could be mistaken for a lamp post or a leftover from a Sherlock Holmes set.
Let’s dive into the fascinating backstory of this little structure, how it came to be, and why it’s still one of the capital’s best kept (and smallest) secrets.
Wait—Where Is It?
Right in Trafalgar Square, near the southeast corner, tucked into the base of a lamppost, stands a mysterious little stone box. Thousands of people walk past it daily without a second glance. But this isn’t just a quirky bit of street furniture—it was once an active police watch post.
Today, it might look like a forgotten phone booth or a glorified broom closet, but it’s actually London’s smallest police station (and arguably one of the smallest in the world).
Why Was It Built?
To understand its origin, you need to travel back to the 1930s, a time of political unrest and frequent protests in Trafalgar Square. It had become a hotspot for public gatherings, marches, and demonstrations—which often escalated into full-on chaos.
So the Metropolitan Police came up with a plan: build a discreet watch post right inside the square to monitor protestors without alarming the public. And what better way than to hide it inside a lamppost?
Constructed in 1926 using Portland stone, this little cubicle was wired directly to Scotland Yard. It allowed one officer to keep an eye on things and, if needed, call for reinforcements at a moment’s notice.
Inside the Station: What Was It Like?
Calling it a station might be generous—it’s more like a one-person booth. The interior had just enough space for one police officer, a phone line, and a small desk. Legend has it that it could even fit two people if they didn’t mind being very cozy.
Some cheeky stories claim the light on top would flash like a beacon if the officer inside picked up the phone, signaling nearby forces that trouble had broken out.
Over time, the station became a quirky footnote in the city’s policing history. As protests grew and the need for a manned box decreased, the structure was quietly retired from official use.
What Is It Used for Now?
Today, the tiny station is no longer staffed by police—but it’s still there, standing proud in the corner of the square. So, what’s it used for now?
Brooms and buckets.
Yes, the smallest police station in London is now a storage closet for Westminster Council cleaners.
From revolution to rubbish collection—what a journey.
Fun Facts & Urban Legends
Myth: Two Officers Used to Work Inside at Once
While it makes for a great story, it’s physically impossible unless they were stacked vertically.Legend: It's Bugged for Surveillance
Some say it was once used to listen in on conversations in the square. There’s no proof, but it adds to the spy-movie appeal.Light Beacon Theory
The lamp post above supposedly blinked if the officer used the phone, alerting other police. Again, no solid evidence—but the tale lives on.Harry Potter Vibes
It’s not hard to imagine this as a secret Ministry of Magic entrance, right?
The Aesthetic Charm
Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s something oddly charming about the structure. With its Portland stone body and vintage ironwork, it blends right in with the classic architecture of the square.
Tourists sometimes think it’s an old phone booth or part of an art installation. Locals just walk right by.
But now you know—and once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
How to Find It
Location: Southeast corner of Trafalgar Square, just next to the public toilets and steps leading down to The Mall.
What to Look For: A black iron lamp post rising from a small stone box. That’s it!
Go during the day so you can peek inside (through the narrow window) and see the shelves of cleaning supplies.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you love quirky history, urban secrets, or just want to impress your friends with something they’ve definitely missed—this is a gem.
Pair it with a visit to:
The National Gallery
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church
A walk down Whitehall to Big Ben
It’s a great detour that takes just five minutes, and yet leaves you with a brilliant story.
Bonus: How to Get the Perfect Instagram Shot
Want to show off your find?
Stand across the square with Nelson’s Column in the background
Zoom in and focus on the lamp and stone base
Add this caption:
“Found London’s tiniest police station – and yes, it’s real.”
Final Thoughts
London is full of secrets—and this tiny police station is a perfect example of how the city hides stories in plain sight. It’s not in your average guidebook, but it’s 100% worth a visit for anyone curious about London’s weird, wonderful side.
So next time you’re in Trafalgar Square, skip the pigeons and hunt down London’s smallest police outpost. It’s a miniature monument to a big city’s fascinating past.
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