The Green Police Box of Sheffield: A Unique Historic Landmark
Sheffield’s unique green and white police box, a charming relic of early 20th-century policing, stands proudly outside the Town Hall as a symbol of local heritage.
Located on Surrey Street outside Sheffield Town Hall, the Green Police Box is the sole survivor of 120 distinctive green and white police boxes once scattered throughout Sheffield. Introduced in 1929 by Chief Constable Percy J. Sillitoe, these boxes served as mini police stations, providing telephone access, first aid, and temporary lock-up facilities for officers and the public. Today, this charming wooden structure stands as a nostalgic symbol of Sheffield’s policing history and a popular photo spot in the city centre.
A brief summary to Green Police Box
- Surrey St, Sheffield, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2LG, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to capture the vibrant green color in your photos.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Sheffield City Centre to explore nearby historic sites.
- Look for local guided tours that include the Green Police Box for enriched historical context.
- Take a moment to imagine the box’s role in pre-radio police communication and community safety.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport (Bus)
Take any bus to Sheffield Interchange, then walk approximately 7-10 minutes through the city centre to Surrey Street where the Green Police Box is located. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4 depending on the route.
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Public Transport (Tram)
Board a tram at Sheffield City Centre stops such as Cathedral or Fitzalan Square and alight at Cathedral stop. From there, it is a 7-minute walk to the Green Police Box on Surrey Street. Tram tickets cost around £2.50 to £4.
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Walking
From the Peace Gardens in Sheffield City Centre, enjoy a 5-7 minute walk along pedestrian-friendly streets to Surrey Street. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors including those with mobility aids.
Green Police Box location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Green Police Box
Origins and Purpose of Sheffield's Police Boxes
The Green Police Box in Sheffield dates back to 1929, when Chief Constable Percy J. Sillitoe introduced a network of 120 green and white police boxes across the city. These boxes were designed to decentralize police operations, allowing officers on patrol to communicate with their stations without returning to base. Equipped with telephones accessible to both officers and the public, first aid kits, and basic heating, they functioned as vital street offices. Officers could write reports, take breaks, and even temporarily detain suspects in these compact wooden structures, which were a radical innovation in policing at the time.Distinctive Design and Features
Unlike the more common blue police boxes found elsewhere in the UK, Sheffield's boxes were painted in a distinctive green and white scheme. Architecturally, the surviving box features a segmental-arched roof, setting it apart from the shallow pyramidal roofs typical of other regions. A notable feature was the external telephone compartment, allowing public access to emergency calls, which was crucial in an era when many homes lacked telephones. The boxes also had signaling lamps to alert officers to urgent messages, originally using bulbs suspended from curved metal brackets.The Role in Policing and Community Safety
Sheffield’s police boxes were more than communication points; they were mini police stations embedded in the community. Officers patrolled on foot, checking in at boxes hourly to relay information. The boxes provided first aid supplies and a place to rest, enhancing officers’ efficiency. Temporary lock-up facilities allowed for the short-term detention of suspects until transport arrived. This system represented a significant advancement in policing during the early to mid-20th century, improving response times and public safety.Decline and Preservation
With the advent of radio communications and increased use of police vehicles in the 1960s, the need for police boxes diminished. Sheffield’s network was gradually dismantled, leaving only the green police box on Surrey Street outside the Town Hall. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, this sole survivor is now a listed structure and a cherished relic of Sheffield’s civic heritage. It also serves a modern role as a post for city ambassadors providing tourist information, linking past and present community service.Cultural Significance and Popularity
The Green Police Box holds a unique place in British cultural history, partly due to its rarity and distinctive color. It attracts visitors and locals alike, often serving as a nostalgic photo opportunity and a symbol of Sheffield’s policing legacy. Its resemblance to the famous police box from the television series Doctor Who adds to its charm, though Sheffield’s box predates the show and served a practical purpose rather than a fictional one.Visiting and Experiencing the Landmark
Situated in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, the Green Police Box is easily accessible and surrounded by other historical and modern attractions. Its quaint and compact design invites close inspection, offering a tangible connection to early 20th-century urban life and law enforcement. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical context while enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere around Surrey Street.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Green Police Box
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Sheffield’s unique green and white police box, a charming relic of early 20th-century policing, stands proudly outside the Town Hall as a symbol of local heritage.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Peace Gardens
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Orchard Square
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Winter Garden
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Sheffield City Hall
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Cutlers' Hall Hospitality
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Essential places to dine
Miller & Carter Sheffield City
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Browns Sheffield
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wagamama sheffield city centre
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Piccolino Sheffield
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Bella Italia - Sheffield St Paul's
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The Botanist Sheffield
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Cubana Tapas Bar
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COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Sheffield
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Zizzi - Sheffield Leopold Square
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
skytrend
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Sheffield Makers
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Bird’s Yard Sheffield
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Søstrene Grene
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Ryan Vintage
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Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Ryan Vintage, Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing boutique in the city centre.
Glass Onion Sheffield
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Explore Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing store blending sustainable fashion with stylish, curated collections in a unique urban setting.
Sheffield Convenience Store
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Preloved Kilo
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Mint (New name coming soon)
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Rocky Horrors
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The Alternative Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Volt Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
