Great Scotland Yard

Great Scotland Yard, a street in Westminster, London, connects Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall. By the 16th century, this "yard," initially a series of open courtyards within the Palace of Whitehall, housed buildings used by diplomatic representatives of the Kingdom of Scotland. Over time, it was divided into Great, Middle, and Little Scotland Yard.

By the 19th century, Scotland Yard was a street and open space, home to the public entrance of the original Metropolitan Police headquarters. This connection led to "Scotland Yard" becoming synonymous with the police service.

The name's origin is uncertain, but it likely comes from buildings accommodating Scottish diplomats and royalty, acting as a de facto Scottish embassy. By 1515, it was named as such when Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots, stayed there.

In the 17th century, the yard housed government buildings and residences for English civil servants. Notable residents included architects Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and poet John Milton. By the late 17th century, the district was associated with prominence and prestige.

The original Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office at 4 Whitehall Place had a rear entrance on Great Scotland Yard. Over time, Scotland Yard became a metonym for the police headquarters.

Great Scotland Yard's layout changed over the centuries. Richard Horwood's 1799 map of London shows it on the eastern side of Whitehall. The War Office building, erected in 1906, replaced Lower Scotland Yard. The Clarence public house, named after the Duke of Clarence, dates from 1896. The Civil Service Club has been based at numbers 13-15 since 1953.

Great Scotland Yard is now home to a five-star Hyatt luxury hotel built on the Ministry of Defence Library site. Completed in 1906 as the Central London Recruiting Office, the hotel features 151 rooms, 15 suites, and a standalone townhouse. The hotel also includes four bars, restaurants and a gym.

Historically, the area has significant ties to the Scottish royal family, starting from around 997-1005 when Kenneth III of Scotland resided there. After 1541, it housed prominent civil servants like Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren. John Milton lived there from 1649 to 1651.

The current building, constructed in 1910, served as the British Army Recruitment Office during both World Wars and was used by the Ministry of Defence until 2013. In 2013, the UAE company LuLu Group purchased the building for £110 million, transforming it into the luxury hotel it is today. The iconic Edwardian red brick, Portland stone, and famous green doors remain key features.