London is a city full of hidden history, whether it’s an old chimney disguised as a lamppost or a Roman wall hidden in a car park, it’s often easy to walk straight past some of the most interesting parts of the capital.
On a quiet residential street in Belgravia, a painted iron post stands out from the usual street markings and bollards. Located on Gerald Road, the roughly three-foot-tall bollard is shaped like a traditional 19th-century policeman.
The post, affectionately referred to as the ‘bobby bollard’, features a detailed helmet complete with a realistic police badge. The iron figure is painted in traditional police colours and adds a little fun and whimsy to what would be a very ordinary street. Who doesn’t need a bit more whimsy in their life, eh?
Standing guard at a former station
The unusual bollard stands directly in front of a building with a significant local history. A blue plaque above the large green double doors marks the site as the former Gerald Road Police Station. The station operated at this location from 1846 until 1993, after which the local force relocated to a new facility on Buckingham Palace Road.
Following the station’s closure, the property was converted into a luxury private residence. Despite the residential conversion, you can still spot features that harken back to its past. For example, the original police station lamp still hangs over the main entrance, where the bobby bollard sits below on the cobblestone pavement outside.
The creative design of the bollard on Gerald Road is thought to be the only street bollard of its kind in the city, making it a pretty special sight. So if you’re ever in the area, why not make a quick pit stop to see this very special little piece of art tucked away in the city.
