location information
This elaborate structure is the home to the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). The SIS is commonly better know as MI6, especially by people outside of the service. The two titles are used very much interchangeably, even though official use of MI6 has long since been phased out.
While MI5 concentrates on domestic affairs, it is the role of MI6 to deal with foreign affairs such as regional instability, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (to name a few) and provides Her Majesty's Goverment with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom.
Towering over nine-floors costing over £350million, the Vauxhall Cross building is like a self-contained city with squash and basketball courts, a gym, restaurant, coffee lounge and bar.
bond connections
For anyone who has seen a Bond film, this question does not need to be asked. In the films MI6 is the operational workplace of James Bond, agent 007. Bond frequently has mission briefings from M and obtains vital equipment from Q inside the hallowed walls of this unique building. That is of couse when Bond is not being equiped in the field, much to the disgust of a travel-weary Q.
Appearing first in Goldeneye, it is not until the famous pre-title in The World Is Not Enough that we gleam impressive shots of its exterior and interior; albeit interior shots imagined by Peter Lamont.
useful information
The best views of the building are gleamed by crossing the bridge over the Thames and heading down the steps into the Albert Embankment. It is perhaps not a wise move to try to gain entry to the building, where police officers with automatic weapons frequently patrol.
location directions
Get off at Vauxhall tube station and take exit 6. §
related links
The official website of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)
