databaseintroductionepisodesphotosvideo/dvd/booksvotingmiscellaneous fileshome

- A -

Aberdeen
Capital of the Grampian Region in Eastern Scotland. Jim Hacker points out in the YM episode The Official Visit that the President of Buranda that is looking to buy oil rig equipment is more likely to find this merchandise in Aberdeen and Clyde side, than in Haslemere.
 
Afghanistan
Country in Asia. In the 1980's occupied by the Soviet Union. Afghanistan is mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design by the Chief Scientific Advisor. He points out that the Soviets won't annex Western Europe, as they can't even control Afghanistan. Also mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. In this episode Jim Hacker says that Britain should always fight with the weak against the strong. Sir Humphrey responds by proposing to send in troops to Afghanistan to fight the Russians. Jim Hacker feels the Russians are too strong.
 
Annie's Bar
Bar where Jim Hacker meets Walter Fowler of the Express to leak information on his plan to introduce safeguards for electronic surveillance. Mentioned in the YM episode The Death List.
 
Arabia
Jim Hacker mentioned Arabia in the YM episode Doing the Honours, when Sir Humphrey asked him where British diplomats should learn Arabic if the Arabic department of Baillie College were to be closed.
 
Arabian Sea
Sea between India and Africa mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. St. George's Island lies in the Arabian Sea.
 
Arnhem
City in the Netherlands known for the air troopers landing in 1944. The Chief Scientific Advisor in the YPM episode The Grand Design has fought at Arnhem.
 
Ascot
Famous horse track in Britain that is mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge regarding the BBC boxes. Also mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
Assisi
Town in Italy famous because St. Francis was living there. Mentioned in the YM episode The Quality of Life.
 
Australia
Travel destination for Frank Weisel as part of the super quango mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
Back to Top

- B -

Bahamas
Island group in the Atlantic Ocean, near the US State of Florida. Mentioned in the YPM episode Power to the People. Jim Hacker remarks that local councilors often want to spend money on a fact finding mission in the Bahamas.
 
Balmoral
Castle in the North East of Scotland that is one of the residences of the Queen of Great Britain. Mentioned in the YM episode The Official Visit.
 
Banbury
Town halfway between London and Birmingham, in the center of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. The Bishop of Banbury organized the mission by the Dean of Baillie College to free the British nurse in Qumran.
 
Basildon
City near London. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen because it is a marginal constituency with a large number of tobacco workers.
 
Bath
Town in the southwest of England, near Bristol. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard as having a naval base, even though it is 30 miles inland.
 
Beaconsfield Street, 3-17
DAA office that Jim Hacker wants to get rid off in the YM episode The Economy Drive. Sir Humphrey points out that it is the emergency government HQ in case of a nuclear disaster because it has a three-level reinforced-concrete basement.
 
Bedford
Town about 70 kilometers north of London. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard as have an RAF base.
 
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Town in the far north east of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Birmingham
Large city in the middle of England. Birmingham East is the constituency of Jim Hacker. Briefly referred to by Joe Morgan regarding a special Birmingham allowance in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys. In the YM episode The Quality of Life Jim Hacker wants to visit a City Farm in (the marginal constituency) Birmingham, since his visit to the City Farm in Tower Hamlets was a great success.
 
Birmingham Road, 129
Address of Michael Bradley's office in Solihull. Mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
Botswana
Country in the south of Africa mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design. When Jim Hacker is planning to cancel Trident he learns that this would mean he would only see the Vice-President in Washington. He is shocked because even Botswana was greeted by the President.
 
Brands Hatch
Motor racing circuit in Britain. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen.
 
British Equatorial Africa
See Buranda.
 
Broadcasting House
BBC studio that Jim Hacker visits to record a radio discussion on the government and private investment partnerships. Mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
Bristol
City in the west of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen because it is a marginal constituency with a large number of tobacco workers. Also briefly mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts.
 
Brixton
Part of London, south of the river Thames, mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts. Jim Hacker suggests the National Theatre can rent offices there. Brixton is a poor area known for its racial tensions.
 
Brussels
Capital of Belgium and also the center of bureaucracy (administration) of the European Economic Community (EEC). When one refers to Brussels in British politics, one is usually referring to the EEC.
 
Buckingham Palace
Working palace of the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, mentioned in the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident. Also referred to in the same episode as Buck House.
 
Buranda
Fictitious country on the West coast of Africa, near the equator. Buranda is featured in the YM episode The Official Visit. It was a former British colony known as British Equatorial Africa. It is potentially an oil-rich country, and for this reason an official visit is planned to buy oil rig equipment from Britain (YM episode The Official Visit). President Alans however is kicked out and Colonel Selim Mohammed takes his place as President. Their Scottish consulate is located in Edinburgh. Buranda and its High Commissioner play a role in the YPM episode A Conflict of Interest. In this episode it turns out that the President of Buranda and the chairman of the Buranda Enterprise Corporation are involved in the Phillips Berenson scandal.
 
Bury St. Edmunds
Town in the east of England. The town has a bishopric which is the main topic of the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit.
Back to Top

- C -

Cabinet Office
The office that deals with all Cabinet affairs. This is were the Secretary of the Cabinet works. It is adjacent to the PM's office (Number Ten). There is a connecting door between the Cabinet Office and Number Ten, that plays a 'key' role in the YPM episode The Key.
 
California
Travel destination for Frank Weisel as part of the super quango mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys. Also the destination of a fact finding mission on fall-out shelters of a borough that included the PM's constituency. The PM's election agent led the mission. This way they spent their entire Civil Defence budget for the next three years. This was mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge.
 
Cameroon
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Sir Humphrey use it to illustrate to Bernard that politicians don't know a thing about foreign affairs. They ask what the national religion of Cameroon is. Bernard doesn't know. The answer is: Christianity.
 
Cambridge
City located about 80 kilometers North of London. The city is known for its University. Mentioned several times in the YM episode Doing the Honours and in The Greasy Pole. Also mentioned in the YPM episodes The Grand Design and One of Us.
 
Central African Republic
Mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest. When discussing the arms trade business, Jim Hacker asks whether Sir Humphrey would be surprised if a British aircraft carrier turned up in the Central African Republic. Sir Humphrey replies that he would be very surprised since it is a thousand miles inland.
 
Central House
The Headquarters of the Party.
 
Chad
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Sir Humphrey use it to illustrate to Bernard that politicians don't know a thing about foreign affairs. They ask what the capital of Chad is. Bernard doesn't know. The answer is: N'Djamena.
 
Chadwick House
DAA office block located at West Audley Street. Huge building with only a few people working there. Jim Hacker wants to get rid off Chadwick House in the YM episode The Economy Drive. Sir Humphrey claims that it is the designated office for the new Commission for the Environment, and they are even wondering whether it will be big enough for them.
 
Channel Islands
The Channel islands are mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest with regards to an example of how arms are sold with various intermediates in between.
 
Channel Tunnel
Planned tunnel between Britain and France. In the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident Jim Hacker is most anxious to finalize the agreement with the French over the tunnel.
 
Chelsea
Part of London normally referred to as Kensington & Chelsea. Jim Hacker mentioned this place in the YM episode The Challenge when he sarcastically remarks that the Unilateralist borough of Thames Marsh will be spared by invading Russian troops and that they will annex Chelsea instead.
 
Chequers
Chequers is a country house belonging to the Government, which is used as the Prime Minister's non-London residence. If the PM needs to hold a private conference of some of his Ministers or receive foreign visitors over a weekend (like in the YM episode The Death List), Chequers is usually where it is done. It is also used by Prime Ministers to entertain guests as a special privilege (which is what happens in the YM episode A Question of Loyalty).
 
Chichester
Town near the south coast of England mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. Mike Stanford's wife is the daughter of the Earl of Chichester.
 
Chile
Mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest as one of the countries that Britain sells arms to. Because of the reputation of this country the British government had to officially approve the arms deal.
 
Chipping Sodbury
Town in England. Briefly mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
City, The
Financial heart of London where all the big banks and financial institutions have their offices and where the stock exchange is located. Mentioned in the YM episode The Bed of Nails.
 
Clydeside
Area around the river Clyde in South Western Scotland. Jim Hacker points out in the YM episode The Official Visit that the President of Buranda that is looking to buy oil rig equipment is more likely to find this merchandise in Aberdeen and Clydeside, than in Haslemere.
 
Corn Exchange Art Gallery
Art gallery in Jim Hacker's constituency. Jim wants to close it down in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off and use the money to save the local football club Aston Wanderers from bankruptcy. Sir Humphrey however is totally against this and tries to point out the value of the gallery. Jim Hacker however describes that the building is a monstrosity, the collection consist of third-rate 19th century landscapes and poor modern paintings, and that they only get an average of eleven visitors a day.
 
Covent Garden
Famous Opera Centre mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge regarding the BBC boxes. Also mentioned in the YM episode Party Games and YPM episode The Smoke Screen. Sir Arnold wants to retire and this organisation appears on a long list of Chairmanships, Directorships and Chancellorships Sir Arnold wants to undertake after his retirement as Cabinet Secretary.
 
Cuba
Communist country in the Caribbean. Mentioned in the YM episode The Official Visit with regards that Buranda is likely to become a hostile LDC (Less Developed Country) with a Cuban connection.
 
Cyprus
Country in the Mediterranean Sea mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Former British colony that was partioned when it became independent. This led to civil war but - as Sir Humphrey states - it saved Britain needing a policy for them.
Back to Top

- D -

Derbyshire
County in the Middle of England. MP for Derbyshire East in the YM episode A Question of Loyalty is Betty Oldham. South Derbyshire is mentioned in the YM episode The Skeleton in the Cupboard. It is supposed to be the most efficient Council in Britain.
 
Dover
Port city in the Southeast of England. Mentioned by Jim Hacker in the YM episode Doing the Honours. In the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident Jim Hacker finalizes the Channel Tunnel and ensures that the building ceremony will take place in Dover.
 
Downingstreet, 10
Address of the office of the Prime Minister in London. Often referred to as Number Ten. Jim Hacker calls it Numéro Dix for the French EEC Commissioner, although he doesn't know what Jim is talking about. Also many times referred to as Downingstreet.
 
Dresden
City in Germany that was heavily bombed by the Allies in World War II. When Jim Hacker tries to justify his inability to do anything about the British arms that are sold to Italian terrorists, he refers to Dresden as an example that Britain is also a terrorist country.
Back to Top

- E -

East Anglia
Area north of London. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
East Yemen, People's Democratic Republic of
Prominently mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. In that episode East Yemen is planning to support a Marxist coupe on St. George's Island. As Jim Hacker sends in an airborne battalion, East Yemen cancels their support. East Yemen lies in the south of the Arabian peninsula. Although its full name would suggest a democratic government, Sir Humphrey immediately concludes it is a communist dictatorship.
 
Edge Hill Road Primary School
School in the West Midlands. Mentioned in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off regarding a possible closure of this school, where the money could be used to save the local football club Aston Wanderers from bankruptcy.
 
Edinburgh
Capital of Scotland located in the South East of Scotland. The Burandan consulate is located here and is involved in the preparation of their President's official visit to Britain in the YM episode The Official Visit.
 
England
England is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, often abbreviated as the United Kingdom (UK) or Great Britain. Other regions include Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Non-UK residents often refer to the UK as England, even though this is only a part of the UK.
 
Essex
County in the South East of England with the administrative centre of Chelmsford. Its University is mentioned by Sir Humphrey in the YM episode The Skeleton in the Cupboard.
 
Europe
Part of the world. In British politics Europe usually refers to the European Community.
 
Euston
Railway station in London where Jim Hacker is always picked up by his driver. Mentioned in the YM episode Open Government.
Back to Top

- F -

Falkland Islands
Island group near the Southern tip of South America that is part of Britain. In 1981 the islands were invaded by Argentina who insisted it had territorial claims on the islands. This led to the Falkland Islands War between Britain and Argentina, which Britain won. In the YM episode The Bed of Nails Jim Hacker mentions that if he succeeds at implementing the Integrated National Transport Policy it could be his Falkland Islands. Sir Humphrey replies that he could also be General Galtieri (the general leading the Argentinean military regime at the time). Also briefly mentioned in the YM episode Party Games regarding Sir Arnold's recommendation to reactivate the Simonstown naval base in South Africa which could have helped out with the Falklands War. Also briefly mentioned in the YPM episode One of Us.
 
Farringdon Street, 44
Address of the Department of Administrative Affairs (DAA) in London.
 
Feminist Drama Centre
Centre mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge. It is one of the centers subsidised by the London borough of Thames Marsh.
 
Fiji Islands
Island group in the Pacific Ocean. Mentioned in the YM episode The Moral Dimension. When Sir Humphrey is dressed as an Arab at a Qumrani reception, Jim Hacker says that if they were in the Fiji Islands Sir Humphrey would probably be dressed with a grass skirt.
 
Fleet Street
Street in London were a lot of the newspapers have their offices. Mentioned in the YPM episodes A Victory for Democracy and Official Secrets.
 
French Embassy
Located in Kensington. Jim Hacker is very well acquainted with the French.
Back to Top

- G -

Gay Bereavement Centre
Centre mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge. It is one of the centers subsidised by the London borough of Thames Marsh.
 
Glasgow
City in Scotland. In the YM episode The Quality of Life Jim Hacker wants to visit the City Farm of this marginal constituency, since his visit to the City Farm in Tower Hamlets was such a big success. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen because it is a marginal constituency with a large number of tobacco workers. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts.
 
Glyndebourne
Opera house in Sussex. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen.
 
Greenham Common
Military airbase located near the city of Newbury, west of London. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit in relation to the movement Women of Greenham Common.
 
Grosvenor Hotel
Luxurious and famous hotel in London. At this hotel the British Theatre Awards dinner takes place, the main topic of the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts.
Back to Top

- H -

Harrods
Famous British department-store in London.
 
Haslemere
Town in the county of Surrey, South of London. Jim Hacker points out in the YM episode The Official Visit that the President of Buranda that is looking to buy oil rig equipment is more likely to find this merchandise in Aberdeen and Clydeside, than in Haslemere. Also mentioned in YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Hayward's Spinney
Wood in the eastern part of Warwickshire that is the prime focus of the YM episode The Right to Know. In this area a whole colony of badgers is supposed to live and threatened by the removal of the special protective status. Jim Hacker's daughter Lucy and her boyfriend plan to hold a 24 hours Save the badger nude protest vigil here.
 
Heathrow
Largest airport of London. Mentioned briefly in the YM episode The Official Visit, The Bed of Nails, and the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident.
 
Herefordshire
County in the West of England that is mentioned in the YM episode A Question of Loyalty. There is supposed to be a regional supply depot that is constantly heated to 70º Fahrenheit. In reality the staff are using the depot to grow mushrooms, but officially it is part of staff welfare policy.
 
High Wycombe
City near London. Mentioned in the YM episode Doing the Honours because an old office block in this city could be sold to achieve a 5 percent budget cut.
 
Hiroshima
Japanese city known as the first city where a nuclear bomb was dropped during World War II. The power of today's nuclear weapons is often compared with the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. The Polaris nuclear bombs mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design, are five times more destructive than the Hiroshima bomb.
 
Holyrood Palace
Palace in Scotland that Jim Hacker wants to use for the official visit by the President of Buranda.
 
Horseferry Road
Daniel Hughes refers Sir Humphrey to this street when he tells him of the PM's plan to abolish the DAA in the YM episode The Writing on the Wall. In this street is a job center, and conveniently the number 19 bus stops just outside.
 
Houndsworth
Fictitious borough mentioned in YPM episode Power to the People. The local councilor of this borough (Agnes Moorhouse) is a main problem for Jim Hacker, as she is harassing her local police.
Back to Top

- I -

India
Country in Asia mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Former British colony that was partioned when it became independent. This led to civil war but - as Sir Humphrey states - it saved Britain needing a policy for them.
 
Indian Ocean
Ocean between Africa and Australia mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Luke wrote the "Northern Indian Ocean Situation Report".
 
Iran
Mentioned in the YM episode Equal Opportunities in reference to the assumed fact that Britain could never send a female diplomat to Iran because of the cultural differences. Also mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest as one of the countries that Britain sells arms to. Because of the reputation of this country the British government had to officially approve the arms deal.
 
Ireland
Country in Europe mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Former British 'colony' that was partioned when it became independent. This led to civil war but - as Sir Humphrey states - it saved Britain needing a policy for them.
 
Isle of Wight
Mentioned by Sir Humphrey in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. He states that politicians don't know anything about foreign affairs; they don't even know where the Isle of Wight lies. The Isle of Wight is part of Great Britain, and lies south of Southhampton in the South of England.
 
Israel
Country in the Middle East mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. In this episode Britain is supporting a UN vote condeming Israel for bombing the PLO, even though Jim Hacker instructed to abstain. The Israeli Ambassador has a meeting with Jim Hacker about it, where he also informs Jim what is happening on St. George's Island.
Back to Top

- J -

Jamaica
Caribbean island that is mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge. The local councilors of the London borough of Thames Marsh are planning a fact finding mission to Jamaica.
 
James Hacker Cuddly Animal Sanctuary
City Farm located on the grounds of Sir Desmond's Bank. Jim Hacker had to move the City Farm in Tower Hamlets to this location to prevent very damaging publicity to him personally. In return he agreed to give the Bank building permission for nine extra floors (although he was initially against any extra floors). Subject of the YM episode The Quality of Life.
 
Japan
Travel destination for Frank Weisel as part of the super quango mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
Back to Top

- K -

Kettering
City in the county of Northamptonshire, about 100 kilometers North of London. Kettering is mentioned by Sir Humphrey in the YM episode The Devil You Know. He compares the locations of the EEC Parliament and administration (Strasbourg and Brussels respectively) as having the British House of Commons in Swindon and the Civil Service in Kettering. In the YM episode A Question of Loyalty Kettering is mentioned regarding a supplementary benefits office that has built a roof garden on its top that cost 75,000 pounds.
 
Kingsbury Down
Place where Jim and Annie Hacker spend their honeymoon. In the YM episode The Death List they visit it again, accompanied by bodyguards assigned to protect the Minister from a possible assassination.
 
Knightsbridge
Part of London. Sir Desmond Glazebrook lives in Knightsbridge (near Harrods).
 
Knokke-le-Zoute
Town at the Belgian coast which is supposed to be the weekend hangout for the Brussels bureaucracy. Mentioned by Jim Hacker in the YM episode The Devil You Know.
 
Korea
Country in Asia mentioned in the YPM episode One of Us.
 
Kremlin
Center of the Soviet (nowadays Russian) government. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design, A Victory for Democracy and Official Secrets.
Back to Top

- L -

Ladysmith House
DAA seven story office located in Walthamstow. Frank Weisel has discovered it is completely empty in the YM episode The Economy Drive, but Sir Humphrey claims this has to do with security (MI6).
 
Lake District
Large park in the north of England, mentioned in the YPM episode Power to the People. Sir Humphrey ask how Bernard would feel if local governments turned the Lake District into a gigantic caravan site. Bernard doesn't seem to mind.
 
Lambeth Palace
Palace in the center of London. It is the administrative headquarters of the Church of England and home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit
 
Lancaster
City in the North of England at the Irish Sea. It is mentioned in the YM episode The Bed of Nails with regards to the fact that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was asked to formulate an Integrated National Transport Policy. But he suggested someone else.
 
Leicestershire
County in the Middle of England. Mentioned by Bernard Woolley in the YM episode Doing the Honours. He remarked that the M1 when it was built in the fifties it stopped in the middle of Leicestershire. He argues this was done to for Ministers who wanted to go hunting in the Shires.
 
Leningrad
City in the Soviet Union (now again called St. Petersburg). Jim Hacker points out in the YPM episode The Grand Design that with Britain's nuclear power Moscow, Leningrad and Minsk could be obliterated.
 
Libya
African country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Libya is supporting the communist coupe on St. George's Island.
 
Liechtenstein
Small country between Austria and Switzerland, mentioned in the YPM episode A Conflict of Interest. It is most known for its low taxation. 
 
Liverpool
City in the North West of England. Jim Hacker mentions in the YM episode Open Government that he has to go to Liverpool, while Bernard has already fully booked his diary.
 
London
Capital of Great Britain and center of all central government departments.
 
Lord's
Famous cricket centre mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge regarding the BBC boxes. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen as visited by Jim Hacker at the expense of the British Tobacco Group.
 
Lossiemouth
Town in the north of Scotland. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard. Bernard first thinks it is some sort of dog food.
 
Lowestoft
Port city in the East of England. Mentioned by Jim Hacker in the YM episode Doing the Honours.
 
Luxembourg
Smallest country in the EEC and its capital is also the capital of the EEC. Referred to in the YM episode The Devil You Know. Luxembourg is also mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest with regards to an example of how arms are sold with various intermediates in between.
Back to Top

- M -

Mali
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Sir Humphrey use it to illustrate to Bernard that politicians don't know a thing about foreign affairs. They ask what languages they speak in Mali. Bernard doesn't know. The answer is: Bambara, Senufu, Fulani, Soninke and French.
 
Manchester
City in the North of England. Briefly mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys. In the YM episode The Quality of Life Jim Hacker wants to visit the City Farm of this marginal constituency, since his visit to the City Farm in Tower Hamlets was such a big success. Manchester is also mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest with regards to an example of how arms are sold with various intermediates in between.
 
Merseyside
County in North West of England with Liverpool as its capital. The British Chemical Corporation operates a plant here, mentioned in the YM episode The Greasy Pole.
 
Middlesbrough
City in the North of England. Mentioned in the YM episode The Moral Dimension as the city were Jim Hacker and a DAA delegation met with the Qumranis to negotiate the contract with British Electronic Systems. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts. Jim Hacker suggests the National Theatre can rent offices there.
 
Midlands
Common term for counties in the middle of England. It includes counties such as West Midlands (Birmingham), Derbyshire, Warwickshire, etc..
 
Milton Keynes
City in the Middle of England. Sir Desmond Glazebrook thought Milton Keynes was one of the famous economists and could not remember that it was in fact a city. Mentioned in the YM episode The Quality of Life.
 
Minsk
City in the Soviet Union. Jim Hacker points out in the YPM episode The Grand Design that with Britain's nuclear power Moscow, Leningrad and Minsk could be obliterated.
 
Moscow
Capital of the former Soviet Union and nowadays capital of Russia. Mentioned by Sir Humphrey in the YM episode The Skeleton in the Cupboard and in the YPM episodes The Grand Design and One of Us.
 
Mungoville
Capital of Buranda mentioned in the YM episode The Official Visit.
 
Munich
City in the South of Germany (Bavaria). Mentioned in the YM episode A Question of Loyalty with regards to the Munich Agreement (1938).
Back to Top

- N -

National Theatre
Theatre in London, mentioned in the YPM episode Power to the People. Sir Humphrey asks Bernard how he would feel if local councilors turned the National Theatre into a carpet sale warehouse. Bernard responds that it looks like that now. Sir Humphrey reprimands Bernard by stating that the architect received a Knighthood so no one would say it was a carpet sale warehouse. The National Theatre is the main topic of the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts. The Managing Director of it is threatening to give a speech accusing the government of barbarism, given the small increase in the arts grant. Jim Hacker "persuades" him to tone down his speech by threatening to sell off the National Theatre building.
 
Newcastle
City in the north of England. Jim Hacker is scheduled to address the by-election meeting here in the YM episode Big Brother.
 
New Street
Mentioned by Bernard Woolley in the YM episode Open Government. Jim Hacker is supposed to take the train from this train station in Birmingham, which is close to his constituency home.
 
New York
Large city on the East coast of the United States. Mentioned in the YM episode The Bed of Nails because the Prime Minister visits New York.
 
Northern Ireland
Part of Great Britain. Becoming Minister responsible for Northern Ireland is like banishment from British politics. In the YM episode Party Games Duncan threatens Jim Hacker that if he does not support Duncan in the leadership election he will end up in Northern Ireland. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen because it is a marginal constituency with a large number of tobacco workers.
 
Nottingham
City in the center of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen because it is a marginal constituency with a large number of tobacco workers. Also briefly mentioned in the YPM episode Power to the People.
Back to Top

- O -

Ottawa
Capital of Canada. In the YM episode The Bed of Nails Ottawa is mentioned because the Prime Minister has a conference there.
 
Oxford
City located about 90 kilometers Northwest of London. The city is famous for its University. Baillie College is one of the colleges in Oxford.
Back to Top

- P -

Paddington Station
Train station in London. Jim Hacker leaves for Swansea from this station in YM episode Big Brother. Paddington Station is also mentioned in the YM episode The Bed of Nails by Sir Mark Spencer, with regards to the fact that bus and trains do not connect to each other.
 
Pakistan
Country in Asia mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Bernard points out that if the Russians where to invade Pakistan, they would have a warm water port able to threaten the Persian Gulf.
 
Palestine
Country in Asia mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Former British colony that was partioned when it became independent. This led to civil war but - as Sir Humphrey states - it saved Britain needing a policy for them. Nowadays Palestine is called Israel.
 
Paris
Capital of France. Jim and Annie Hacker planned to go on holiday to Paris in the YM episode Big Brother, but Jim was already booked to go to Swansea and Newcastle.
 
Persian Gulf
Sea between the Arabian peninsula and Asia mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy.. The lifeline of the West because of it being the major route for transporting oil.
 
Peru
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Sir Humphrey use it to illustrate to Bernard that politicians don't know a thing about foreign affairs. They ask who the President is of Peru. Bernard doesn't know.
 
Piccadilly
Square in the center of London mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design.
 
Pittsburgh
City in the North Eastern part of the United States. This city is mentioned in the YM episode Open Government, regarding the trade contract with the Pittsburgh Manufacturing Corporation, Inc.
 
Plymouth
City at the southwest coast of England. Briefly mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys and the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Port Stanley
Capital of the Falkland Islands. In the YPM episode The Grand Design General Howard remarks that the RAF couldn't even close the runway at Port Stanley during the Falklands War.
 
Portsmouth
City at the south coast of England. It has a naval base, as mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Potters Bar
Town located about 20 kilometers North of London. Jim Hacker mentions this town in the YM episode The Official Visit when he points out to Sir Humphrey that Scotland isn't that remote; it is only two feet above Potters Bar (on the map).
 
Prague
Capital of Czechoslovakia during the YM episodes. Briefly mentioned at the end of the BBC Evening News in the YM episode The Greasy Pole.
Back to Top

- Q -

Qumran
Oil-producing country in the Persian Gulf. Qumran and its contract with British Electronic Systems is the prime subject of the YM episode The Moral Dimension. Bribery to achieve signing of trade contracts seems to be quite normal in Qumran. Jim Hacker and his delegation visit Qumran to sign an export contract, but he later learns that the contract involved bribery. Qumran also is suggested to control the oil companies Shell and BP. Qumran also plays a role in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. In this episode Qumran has arrested a British nurse for the possession of a bottle of whisky and is threatened with imprisonment and lashes. The Foreign Office doesn't want to intervene because of keeping good relation with Qumran. But the Dean of Baillie College finally persuades Qumran to free the nurse. Jim Hacker's success in Qumran is also briefly mentioned in the YPM episode Official Secrets.
Back to Top

- R -

Rome
Capital of Italy. Jim Hacker's favourite quote is "Rome wasn't built in a day" and he uses this quote when someone wants to know why something has not been done yet (which happens quite a lot). Rome is also mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest, where Major Saunders just returned from Rome and tells Jim Hacker the news that Italian terrorists have gotten a hold of a British computerized bomb.
 
Royal Opera House
Opera theatre in London that is heavily subsidised (receives £9.5 million of public money a year). Mentioned in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off. Sir Humphrey views it as the ultimate in Britain's cultural heritage, but Jim Hacker points out that they mostly play Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and Wagner (German and Italian culture). Furthermore, Jim Hacker feels that it is for the Establishment since the audience consists of business executives and top civil servants. Sir Humphrey is appalled by these remarks, but soon has to confess that he is going to the Royal Opera House that very same evening. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Smoke Screen where Sir Humphrey tries to arrange a sponsorship of BTG on behalf of the Royal Opera House. And mentioned in the YPM episode Power to the People, when Sir Humphrey asks Bernard how he would feel if local councilors turned the Royal Opera House into a bingo hall. 
Back to Top

- S -

Salisbury Plain
Mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Salisbury is located in the southwest of England. It is best known as a practice area for the British army. Bernard mentions there a lot of unexploded shells lying around. It also plays a major role in the YPM episode One of Us. The dog Benjy has gotten lost on Salisbury Plain. Finally, the army rescues Benjy by a very expensive operation, approved by Jim Hacker.
 
Sandwich Golf Course
Golf course mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design. Bernard Woolley tells Jim Hacker the story that a torpedo mistakenly landed on Sandwich Golf Course. The story however was covered up and the members just found a new bunker on the 7th fairway the next morning.
 
Scotland
Northern part of the United Kingdom. The Queen of England is also Queen of Scotland. Mentioned in the YM episode The Official Visit: Jim Hacker wants to hold three by-elections in Scotland straight after an official visit by the President of Buranda to Scotland, who is looking for oil rig equipment. Also mentioned is the national dish of Scotland: Haggis.
 
Sellafield
Town in the northwest of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode Official Secrets in connection with the nuclear plant that is located there. Jim's predecessor's memoirs reveal that Jim supported the nuclear plant in Cabinet, but spoke out against it in public.
 
Seveso
Town in Northern Italy that is famous for the chemical disaster with dioxin in July 1976. This is mentioned in the YM episode The Greasy Pole, regarding the plans to produce metadioxin by the British Chemical Corporation.
 
Sheffield
City in the north of England. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. Mike Stanford was Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield. Also briefly mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts.
 
Shires
Counties of England ending with -shire; such as Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire. Mainly located in the middle part of England.
 
Simonstown
City near Cape Town in South Africa. Mentioned in the YM episode Party Games. Great Britain had a naval base here, and Sir Arnold recommended in the past to reactivate this naval base. In the episode he wants to ensure his successor will keep this recommendation secret.
 
Solihull
City in the Midlands, South-East of Birmingham. A building project in this city - called the Solihull-project - is the prime focus of the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
South Africa
Country mentioned in the YM episode Party Games. Sir Arnold wants to ensure his successor as Cabinet Secretary will keep his recommendations to the PM regarding reactivation of the Simonstown naval base in South Africa secret.
 
Southampton
Port city in the South of England. Mentioned by Jim Hacker in the YM episode Doing the Honours.
 
Southwark Hospital
Hospital where Billy Fraser worked before he was transferred to St. Edward's hospital. Mentioned in the YM episode The Compassionate Society.
 
St. Edward's Hospital
Hospital in North London featured in the YM episode The Compassionate Society. Mrs. Rogers is the Chief Administrator at St. Edward's. The building of St. Edward's finished 15 months ago, but their are no doctors, nurses or patients. There is however an administrative staff of 342 people and an ancillary staff of 170 people. It already has a large number of departments:
  1. Contingency department: for fires, strikes, air raids, nuclear war, epidemics, food or water poisoning;
  2. Data and Research department: demographic research to assess future medical needs;
  3. Finance department: projected accounts, balance sheets, cash flow estimates;
  4. Purchasing department;
  5. Technical department;
  6. Building department: preparing the phase 3 building plans expected to be completed by 1994;
  7. Maintenance department;
  8. Cleaning & Catering department;
  9. Personnel department;
  10. Administration.

Jim Hacker is aghast by this and wants to layoff 300 people to get some doctors and patients in. As a result all hospitals in London go on strike. Jim Hacker reinstalls all staff and decides to house Cuban refugees at St. Edward's.

St. George's Island
Island in the Arabian Sea between India and Africa. Part of the Commonwealth. The story of the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy centers around a possible communist coupe on St. George's Island. The Marxist guerrillas will be supported by East Yemen, while the Foreign Office agreed not to intervene in exchange for keeping a large construction contract. The Americans however want to keep the island democratic and are prepared to send in American troops. Jim Hacker, after being adviced by the Israeli Ambassador, sends in an airborne battalion that scares off East Yemen. In reality their doesn't seem to exist a St. George's Island.
 
St. James' Park
Park in London. Sir Humphrey mentions in the YM episode The Skeleton in the Cupboard that if the Minister is restless he should feed the ducks in St. James's Park.
 
St. James Primary School
School located near the headquarters of Sir Desmond's Bank. Due to the building plans of the Bank (six more floors) the playground is expected to be overshadowed. This is one of the reasons for Jim Hacker to initially refuse the building permit, but later on (when he has no choice) he reasons that they might welcome a bit of shade.
 
St. Paul's Cathedral
Cathedral in London, mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts.
 
St. Stephen's Mortuary
Mortuary mentioned in the YM episode The Compassionate Society.
 
Strasbourg
City in the North-East of France. The Parliament of the EEC is located in this city, which is mentioned in the YM episode The Devil You Know.
 
Sunderland
Marginal depressed constituency where the Cabinet has created extra superfluous civil servant jobs. Jim Hacker wants to fire these civil servants in the YM episode The Economy Drive, but quickly decides not to if he learns from Sir Humphrey that it is a marginal constituency. Also mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Surrey
County to the south of London. Mentioned in the YPM episode Man Overboard.
 
Sussex
Two counties (West and East) located in the south part of England. Its University is mentioned in the YM episode Doing the Honours and YPM episode A Victory for Democracy.
 
Swansea
City in Wales. Jim Hacker is delivering a speech at the Vehicle Licensing Center in Swansea for the Conference of Municipal Treasurers. See YM episode Big Brother. The Vehicle Licensing Center is an outpost for the Civil Service. Also mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit
 
Swindon
City in the county of Wiltshire, about 100 kilometers West of London. Swindon is mentioned by Sir Humphrey in the YM episode The Devil You Know. He compares the locations of the EEC Parliament and administration (Strasbourg and Brussels respectively) as having the British House of Commons in Swindon and the Civil Service in Kettering.
 
Syria
Mentioned in the YM episode The Whisky Priest as one of the countries that Britain sells arms to. Because of the reputation of this country the British government had to officially approve the arms deal.
 
Back to Top

- T -

Tahiti
Travel destination for Frank Weisel as part of the super quango mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
Tate Gallery
Famous museum of art located in London, mentioned in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off.
 
Teesside
Area around the river Tees in the North of England. Mentioned in the YM episode The Moral Dimension. Sir Humphrey points out that a meeting in Teesside (for negotiating a huge export contract between Qumran and British Electronic Systems) is not as diplomatically significant as a visit to Qumran. Jim Hacker replies that Teesside returned four MPs, but Sir Humphrey points out that Qumran controls Shell and BP.
 
Tel Aviv
City in Israel mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. Luke is going to be send to the British Embassy that is located in Tel Aviv. He is horrified.
 
Tempelhof Airport
Airport of West Berlin mentioned in the YPM episode The Grand Design.
 
Thames Marsh
Borough in London that features in the YM episode The Challenge. The local council does not spent a lot on Civil Defence (fall-out shelters) and that is why Jim Hacker visits this borough. The leader of the council, Mr. Ben Stanley, however has a reserved place in the only fall-out shelter of the borough. The borough spends his money more on luxurious things like Jacuzzi pools, artificial ski slopes and two Daimlers for the Mayor.
 
Tower Hamlets
City now part of London. Jim Hacker visited a City Farm in Tower Hamlets in the YM episode The Quality of Life. After this successful visit he was called the St. Francis of Tower Hamlets.
 
Tower House
Building of the Inland Revenue Service in Tower Hamlets. The Inland Revenue Service was desperately looking for parking space and in the YM episode The Quality of Life, Sir Humphrey arranged this by an Administrative Order which drove out the City Farm.
 
Toxteth
Town mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts. Jim Hacker suggests the National Theatre can rent offices there. Unclear of the location of this town in England.
 
Truro
Town at the very southwest tip of England. In the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit we learn the bishopric of Truro is for the Church of England what is the Vehicle Licensing Center in Swansea for the Civil Service (an outpost).
Back to Top

- U -

Upper Volta
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Sir Humphrey use it to illustrate to Bernard that politicians don't know a thing about foreign affairs. They ask where Upper Volta lies. Bernard doesn't know. The answer is: in the northwest of Africa and nowadays is called Burkina Faso.
Back to Top

- V -

(empty)
Back to Top

- W -

Walthamstow
Part of London were the DAA has offices. Frank Weisel wants an office in the YM episode Open Government, and Sir Humphrey proposes an office in Walthamstow. Frank however wants an office near Jim Hacker and the Minister agrees.
 
Warsaw
Capital of Poland mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy.
 
Warwickshire
County in the center of England with the administrative center Warwick. This county is were Hayward's Spinney is located which is the prime focus of an ecological battle in the YM episode The Right to Know.
 
Washington
Capital and federal government center of the United States of America. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is located here, which is mentioned in the YM episode The Greasy Pole. Jim Hacker held a speech here about the efficiency of the British Civil Service and its ruthless war on waste in the YM episode A Question of Loyalty. Also mentioned briefly in the YM episode The Moral Dimension and The Bed of Nails. In the YPM episode The Grand Design we learn that Jim Hacker - as new PM - will visit Washington to meet the President of the United States. He returns from this trip in the YPM episode The Ministerial Broadcast.
 
Waterloo
Town in Belgium famous for the defeat of Napoleon in 1815 by the British Army Officer Wellington. Mentioned in the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident by Sir Humphrey as the last time that Britain have won from the French.
 
Watford Gap Service Station
Watford Gap Service Station is a reststop on the M1 motorway. All British stopping places on the motorways have restaurants, petrol stations, shops and are called service stations. Watford Gap is a geographical term for a cut through between hills north of London, but not very near Watford. Mentioned by the Chief Scientific Advisor in the YPM episode The Grand Design.
 
Wellington House
DAA office located at Hyde Park Road and filled with filing cabinets. Estimated worth 7.5 million pounds. In the YM episode The Economy Drive Jim Hacker wants to get rid off it, but Sir Humphrey claims Wellington House is not worth that much because it does not have a fire escape.
 
Wembley Stadium
Large football stadium in London. Mentioned by Sir Ian Whitworth in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off. His fear would be that money is taken away from the Royal Opera House to modernise Wembley Stadium.
 
West End
Name for a neighborhood in London where most theatres are located. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Patron of the Arts. Jim Hacker suggests the National Theatre can put up plays there.
 
West Indies
Travel destination for Frank Weisel as part of the super quango mentioned in the YM episode Jobs for the Boys.
 
West Midlands
Mentioned in the YM episode The Middle-Class Rip-Off. See Midlands.
 
West Yemen
Country mentioned in the YPM episode A Victory for Democracy. When Jim Hacker sees troop movements in East Yemen, Luke assures him this is probably preperation for a raid on West Yemen.
 
Westminster
Part of London, mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. Sir Humphrey tells Jim Hacker that being Dean of Westminster (of the Church of England) is a better position than the bishopric of Bury St. Edmunds.
 
Westminster Abbey
Abbey in the center of London. Mentioned in the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident. The funeral service for the former PM of Great Britain will take place in Westminster Abbey.
 
Westminster Old Hall
DAA office located in Sackville Square and filled with filing cabinets. Estimated worth 11 million pounds. In the YM episode The Economy Drive Jim Hacker want to get rid off it, but Sir Humphrey claims it is a class one registered building, so its current user designation cannot be changed.
 
White House
House of the President of the United States. Mentioned in YPM episodes The Grand Design, The Ministerial Broadcast and A Victory for Democracy.
 
Wimbledon
Famous tennis center mentioned in the YM episode The Challenge regarding the BBC boxes. Also mentioned in the YPM episodes The Smoke Screen and Man Overboard.
 
Winchester
Town in the south of England, near Southampton. Mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. Mike Stanford (candidate for the bishopric of Bury St. Edmunds) studied here.
 
Windsor
Village west of London, mentioned in the YPM episode The Bishops Gambit. Sir Humphrey tells Jim Hacker that being Dean of Windsor (of the Church of England) is a better position than the bishopric of Bury St. Edmunds.
 
Windsor Castle
Home of the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, mentioned in the YPM episode A Diplomatic Incident.
 
Wootton Wawen
Town near Hayward's Spinney in East Warwickshire. Sir Humphrey tells Lucy Hacker that the inhabitants of Wootton Wawen use Hayward's Spinney as a garbage dump.
 
Wormwood Scrubs
Famous British prison. The Master of Baillie College referred to Wormwood Scrubs in the YM episode Doing the Honours. He compared Baillie College with Wormwood Scrubs if the College would have to take on a lot of British students.
Back to Top

- X -

(empty)
Back to Top

- Y -

Yugoslavia
Former communist country in the Balcans. Mentioned in the YPM episode One of Us. Most Yugoslavian interpreters were KGB agents (except those that worked for the CIA).
Back to Top

- Z -

(empty)
Back to Top

- # -

(empty)
Back to Top

 

         links        awards        contact        search        FAQ                              © 1997-2006  The Yes (Prime) Minister Files