The Tour
In 1909 British espionage entered a new era with the creation of the Secret Service Bureau. The world of secrets and spies now had a face, even if it was a secret one. But the Bureau divided quickly into two sections, each under a remarkable leader.
Thames House – The Security Service
Captain Vernon Kell (known as ‘K’) placed his career on the line for his nation’s security. He shaped one section of the Secret Service Bureau to meet the challenge of espionage threatening this country’s interests. It does so still as the Security Service, known more familiarly as MI5. The Security Service seeks to address the dangers that threaten us in this unstable world.
Commander Mansfield Smith-Cumming (known as ‘C’) had an equally difficult task. Liaising with existing spies he had to create a network of intelligence gatherers on the Continent, while protecting the secret of its very existence. This became the Secret Intelligence Service, or MI6, whose chief is known always as ‘C’, in honour of the pioneering work of its first head.
SIS Building 85 Albert Embankment
But Britain’s world of covert operations extends beyond these two famous organisations. Intelligence gathering has been the responsibility of various bodies, including military and naval intelligence. And what about the police?
How does the law protect us by laying down the rules within which these bodies operate?
And if these activities are covert, why do we know where we can find MI5 and MI6?
This tour takes you through the complex world of Britain’s intelligence community, to explore its origins as well as to reflect on the situation in which it finds itself today.
If you like this …
You’ll find other Charnowalks connected with covert operations by clicking HERE.
You can find my other Westminster tours HERE
Details – Secrets and Spies
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: In front of The Morpeth Arms, 58 Millbank, SW1P 4RW – the nearest stations are Pimlico (Victoria Line) or Vauxhall (Victoria Line and Main Line)
Duration: Two hours (approximately)
Finish: Westminster Underground Station (District, Circle and Jubilee Lines)
If you have any questions about this walk, please contact me
Pictures © David Charnick 2020
