Question: How did the Metropolitan police force in London, England come to be known as Scotland Yard?
Answer: When the force was founded on September 29th, 1829, its original headquarters were at # 4 Whitehall Place, but the rear entrance used by the public was on a street called Great Scotland Yard. Once the site of a medieval palace in which Scottish kings were housed when they came to London to pay (begrudging) homage to English kings, the area was divided into Great Scotland Yard, Middle Scotland Yard, and Little Scotland Yard. Though the name has stuck, the headquarters themselves have been moved several times, and are due to be moved again.
Time Travelling With Kids 