In 1991, the construction of this building caught the eye of Steve Williams who took this photograph. The building was opened in July 1994 by H. M. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as the headquarters of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Services (SIS) – or MI6.
In the 19th century, the location of the SIS building was occupied by the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. When the Gardens were removed in the 1850s, industrial buildings occupied the site. These included a glass factory, a vinegar works and a gin distillery. Excavation of the site during construction found evidence of glass kilns dating from the 17th century, and also barge houses, and an inn called The Vine.
Image: Steve Williams
The project to construct the SIS HQ was approved in 1988 by the Prime Minister (Margaret Thatcher). There is a rumour that a tunnel exits from here to Whitehall. Also, the windows are triple glazed for security purposes. Large parts of the building are below street level, with numerous underground corridors linking areas in the building. This photograph was taken in January 2017.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
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