The Tour
The St James’s area is famous for its royal connections, for its traditional shops and for its clubland. But beneath this respectability there are traces of a covert world, the world of secret service.
14 Ryder Street
There are places which bear witness to the activities of MI5 and of MI6, the main intelligence-gathering bodies in the UK.
But there are also places connected with other organisations such as MI9 and the Special Operations Executive.
And there’s an address near the Park, tucked discreetly away, which has a special story to tell.
It was here that the Intelligence Branch of the War Office became the Directorate of Military Intelligence. It’s where army intelligence gathering came into its own.
St Ermin’s Hotel
There is much to see as we stroll down St James’s Street, across the Park and down to Caxton Street.
On the way we see a former headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Service, and we finish at a hotel with strong intelligence connections – as well as a fascinating display of Q gadgets!
A companion tour in the same area will be coming soon which will focus on individual stories, taking in The White Mouse, Agent Snow, Operation Mincemeat and others.
If you like this …
You’ll find other Charnowalks connected with intelligence and espionage by clicking HERE.
You’ll find other Charnowalks in the City of Westminster by clicking HERE.
Details – Secret Service and St James’s
Please go to Whats On? to see whether this tour is currently on offer, and for booking details
REMEMBER that these details are NOT for the virtual version of this tour!
MEET: outside the main entrance to The Ritz on Arlington Street, just off of Piccadilly (nearest station Green Park – take the exit for Piccadilly south side) – details HERE
Duration: two hours (approximately)
Finish: at St Ermin’s Hotel, near St James’s Park Underground Station
If you have any questions about this tour, please contact me
Pictures of 14 Ryder Street and St Ermin’s Hotel © David Charnick 2023
