Californian Reacts | How Britain Built its Top Secret MI6 HQ

MI6, formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence service. It was established in 1909, primarily to oversee intelligence gathering and operations abroad. Here is a brief history of MI6 and its London headquarters:

Foundation (1909): MI6 was officially established on October 1, 1909, by Captain Sir Mansfield Cumming, a naval officer, who became the organization's first chief. It was created in response to concerns about Germany's growing naval power and the need for better intelligence gathering.

Early Years (1909-1914): In its early years, MI6 focused primarily on naval intelligence. Its activities included monitoring the movements of German ships and obtaining information about Germany's naval capabilities.

World War I (1914-1918): During World War I, MI6 played a crucial role in intelligence operations. It was involved in espionage, code-breaking, and covert missions against enemy forces.

Inter-War Period (1918-1939): After the war, MI6 continued to evolve and expand its capabilities. It established various regional stations around the world to gather intelligence on geopolitical developments.

World War II (1939-1945): MI6 played a vital role in World War II, working closely with other intelligence agencies, such as the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park. Its efforts contributed significantly to the Allied victory.

Post-War Era (1945-1989): The Cold War era saw MI6 heavily involved in intelligence gathering regarding the Soviet Union and its satellite states. It operated globally, often in partnership with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States.

Rebuilding and Restructuring (1989-2000): The collapse of the Soviet Union brought about a reevaluation of MI6's priorities. It shifted its focus towards counter-terrorism, organized crime, and emerging geopolitical threats.

21st Century (2000-present): MI6 has been at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts, especially in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It has also been involved in addressing emerging threats, including cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

London Headquarters:

MI6's headquarters, commonly known as "The SIS Building," is located at 85 Albert Embankment in Vauxhall, London. It is often referred to by its nickname, "Vauxhall Cross." The building, designed by architect Terry Farrell, was completed in 1994.

The structure is an iconic example of modern architecture, characterized by its distinctive, curving glass façade. It was designed with security and efficiency in mind, incorporating advanced technology and features to support MI6's intelligence operations.

The location of the headquarters along the River Thames reflects the organization's historical connection to naval intelligence. While the building itself is highly secure and not open to the public, it has become an emblematic symbol of British intelligence in popular culture, featuring in various movies and novels.

[californianreacts]

MI6 is a truly impressive building. If I find the picture I snapped of the building I'll post it. When I was in London I had no idea where it was, other on The River Thames. Was a pleasant surprise to see the MI6 HQ!

Favorite Bonds have to be Roger Moore and Sean Connery and grew up with Pierce Brosnan. Favorite Bond film? I have too many I enjoy greatly. What are yours?

[angelapuricelli-fenlon]

Bus drivers when approaching the M16 building, says “spies alight here”

[mark-nmtc]

It was in the Bond movie The World Is Not Enough and others when the producers updated 007 from 'Universal Exports' which was in The Strand (?). Each time I pass it I always think of Pierce Brosnan shooting out into the river in his jet boat😀.

[t.a.k.palfrey]

The Langley HQ of the CIA is a place I passed at least weekly on my drive from DC to my then home in Loudoun County. Likewise, Quantico is hardly a secret location, any more than is the FBI's Edgar Hoover Bldg on Pennsylvania Ave. Just as with MI6 at Vauxhall Cross and MI5 at Millbank and GCHQ in Cheltenham, the world's leading intelligence agencies have recognised that hiding in plain sight is the best way to keep secrets secret.

[michaelwallder]

Here's a snippet. The US embassy is only a stones throw away at Nine Ems, Vauxhall, In 20th Sept 2000, the Real IRA attacked the MI6 building with an RPG only causing slight damage to a couple of tiles and window. No injuries.

[colinjones]

It’s got to be Sir Sean Connery as the best Bond ever

[iddjutt]

They got fed up with hiding in plain sight so they have an plain in sight building, and actually label it as such, which does not mean it is, so while everyone assumes this is SIS. They can operate quietly somewhere else outside London

[EwanMarshall]

Yeah, by this point I think that the building exists is pointless to keep secret. You should look into the story of BT tower in London, which was the tallest building in London from 1964 to 1980 and was designated an designated an official secret. In February 1993, the MP Kate Hoey used the tower as an example of trivial information being kept officially secret, and joked that she hoped parliamentary privilege allowed her to confirm that the tower existed and to state its street address. There was even a revolving resturant at the top for those that knew the address and booked a reservation. The resturant is still there but no-longer revolves, the big billboard is often used during the london new year fireworks as part of the show and it has recently been sold to a hotel chain.

[geekexmachina]

My friend worked in Vauxhall many years ago and he rang me once and told me someone had fired a rocket at the building. He told me that the shape of the building makes it difficult for air assault by paratroopers/ helicopters, and apparently the external facing areas/ offices are not used

[no-oneinparticular]

There is a sign near me, it reads "This way to Top Secret WW2 American Air Base". Makes me laugh every time I pass by. My favourite Bond is the original Sean Connery, it's because I'm old.

[marcuswardle]

It has been attacked already! Someone shot an RPG round at it from a park across the road. It hit the exterior and did very little damage. Prince Charles also complained about it. Not because of the design but due to that it stopped people walking along the Thames riverfront which you are not allowed to do!

[Andy-kdor]

It's built right beside the river because of the specialist dolphins mi6 employs as 009 Agents!

[Jamie_D]

I would assume they have enough going on from external locations that even if the building was levelled by a missile they could still operate.

[barriehull]

Only ever seen three bond films in full, with my sister at the cinema when they came out.
Dr. No 1962
From Russia with Love 1963
Goldfinger 1964, all Sean Connery, so Sean the Scotsman who wanted to leave the United Kingdom when he lived in America is my go to Bond. At the time of the referendum, as a joke my circle of friends in England said, the vote to leave is close enough let them leave anyway. I say let have another go every time we have a General election. What calamity could possibly happen.
Roger Moore used to live in a quite large house with a balcony outside all the five front facing windows near where I live.

[Upemm]

So James Bond didn’t get it blown up then 🤔😂

[markwoods]

Favourite James Bond is definately Daniel Craig

[entity_dragons]

I've worked inside that building 🏫, done a bit off computer 🖥️💻 programming with my spectrum 48k

[mosthaunted]

I wouldn't be surprised if the main HQ is underground now adays, We have Nuclear proof bunkers in a few places, and a few of them are huge.

[niallrussell]

It has 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Must be good!

[cuthalin]

Talking of places that were never acknowledged in London, The Post Office Tower was a great example, especially as it had a revolving restaurant on top !