New Scotland Yard

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The building that was known as New Scotland Yard is now referred to as Norman Shaw North, named after the architect Richard Norman Shaw. It is located at 35 Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, next to the current Metropolitan Police Station. New Scotland Yard was constructed between 1887 and 1890. The building was made out of Portland stone, brick, and Cornish granite that was mined by convicts. New Scotland Yard features Dutch inspired Gothic and classical elements in its design, and the building cost approximately £120000 to construct.1 The building also features Scottish style tourelles and a Flemish inspired gable, which gives it the appearance of a castle.2 This design was intentional since the building was designed to be a fortress that could withstand riots. New Scotland Yard is an important site due to it being the first building that was designed for the purpose of serving as the London police headquarters. The building was constructed in order to facilitate the growing police force. However, after the completion of the complex, it was found that the facility was still too small for the large police force, leading to the creation of a south complex in 1904.3 The building had a great effect on the construction of other residential and public buildings as many designers started incorporating design elements that were used by Shaw in the construction of New Scotland Yard. The building served as Police headquarters from 1889 to 1966. Since 1970, the building has served as offices for members of the British Parliament and houses the departments of public services.

Selected bibliography

1. The Norman Shaw Buildings House of Commons Information Office Factsheet G13 (House of Commons, 2010), 3.

2. "Norman Shaw North," Living Heritage: Northern Estate, accessed November 14, 2017, https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/bu....

3. Susan Beattie, "New Scotland Yard," Architectural History 15, (1972): 77.

Why is this site important?

The New Scotland Yard serves as an important site in the history of magic as mass entertainment in London. This is because Scotland Yard was the first site that the magician Harry Houdini performed at in England. In 1900, Houdini escaped from Scotland Yard handcuffs and a jail cell in order to secure a contract to perform at the Alhambra Theatre. The challenge to escape was issued by Dundas Slater who was the owner of the Alhambra Theatre. Houdini was not as popular in London as he was in the United States, and when Houdini arrived in London and claimed that he was booked at the Alhambra, Slater claimed that he was unaware of this arrangement. To demonstrate his abilities, Houdini traveled to Scotland Yard with Slater and was subjected to a test. Slater was impressed with Houdini's ability and arranged to have him perform for two weeks and the Alhambra Theatre.4 This is a significant event in the history of magic as entertainment since it shows the influence of publicity in gaining the attention of the masses. Due to the common view in London that escape acts were mediocre, Houdini needed a way to make himself known.5 Houdini also became acquaintances with the head of Scotland Yards Special Branch, William Melville, which further increased Houdini's reputation.6 His escape from Scotland Yard was greatly beneficial to this cause since the press reported on this feat and Houdini became an instant sensation. Furthermore, the public nature of Houdini's performance, and the notion that escaping from the confines of Scotland Yard was impossible, helped Houdini secure his first show and draw an audience without having to pay for publicity. Houdini realized the importance of publicity, which he would soon use to further solidify his status as the "King of Handcuffs." To gain more publicity and solidify his unique status, Houdini also began to debunk other magicians by revealing the secrets behind their tricks and escapes.7 Overall, the demonstration at New Scotland Yard reveals the mass attitude toward magic to be an attitude that is characterized by the desire to be entertained by new spectacles, and to be distracted by the normality of everyday life. Thus, New Scotland Yard is solidified as an important site in the history of mass entertainment.

4. "A Talk With Houdini," The New York Dramatic Mirror, June 25, 1904, 18.

5. Walter B. Gibson and Morris N. Young, eds., Houdini on Magic (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1953), x.

6. Andrew Cook, "School for Scoundrels," History Today 54, no. 11 (2004): 4.

Walter B. Gibson and Morris N. Young, eds., Houdini on Magic (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1953), xi.

"A Talk With Houdini," The New York Dramatic Mirror, June 25, 1904, 18.

Walter B. Gibson and Morris N. Young, eds., Houdini on Magic (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1953), x.

Andrew Cook, "School for Scoundrels," History Today 54, no. 11 (2004): 4.

Walter B. Gibson and Morris N. Young, eds., Houdini on Magic (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1953), xi.

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