Is This Really the World’s Smallest Police Station?
Hidden in plain sight at the southeastern corner of Trafalgar Square is what many London guidebooks call the World’s Smallest Police Station.
Look for an ornamental stone pillar topped with a large lamp. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary piece of Victorian street furniture. But look closer and you’ll spot a narrow door and small observation windows.
Believe it or not, there was once a police officer stationed inside.
Technically, this wasn’t a police station at all. It was a tiny police observation box, created so officers could monitor demonstrations and gatherings in Trafalgar Square.
Completed in 1928, the box was built into the base of an existing ornamental lamp rather than adding another structure to the square. There was barely enough room for one officer, but it had a telephone connection to the nearby Cannon Row Police Station so reinforcements could be summoned when needed.
And here’s the clever part.
During the 1930s, the lamp above the box was modified to flash whenever the telephone rang, alerting officers patrolling the square that someone was trying to reach them.
The little observation post remained in use until the 1970s, when portable police radios made it unnecessary.
Today, its rather less glamorous job is storing cleaning equipment. From police lookout to broom cupboard—not quite the retirement you’d expect for the world’s smallest police station.
A Few Rules to Remember in Trafalgar Square
And speaking of keeping law and order, the Mayor of London’s Trafalgar Square byelaws contain some wonderfully specific prohibitions.
Among the activities you must refrain from:
- Placing a canoe, boat or inflatable object in the fountains.
- Lighting a barbecue.
- Feeding the pigeons.
- Washing or drying your laundry.
- Flying a kite.
So, by all means, stop for a photograph of London’s smallest not-quite-police-station. Just leave your canoe, barbecue and laundry at home.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN (southeastern corner)
Nearest Station: Charing Cross
Website: Trafalgar Square — London City Hall
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