Photohraph by Black Taxi Tours of London
Standing proudly in the heart of the City of London, opposite the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange is one of the capital’s most impressive historic landmarks. With its grand columns and imposing classical façade, it is easy to imagine the merchants, financiers and traders who once gathered here to do business and shape Britain’s commercial history.
The story begins in 1566, when wealthy London merchant Sir Thomas Gresham decided that the City needed a dedicated place for merchants to meet and trade. Inspired by the trading centre in Antwerp, he financed the construction of London’s first purpose-built commercial exchange. Queen Elizabeth I officially opened the building in 1571, giving it the prestigious title of the Royal Exchange.
Interestingly, the original Royal Exchange was also something of an early shopping centre! Its upper galleries housed shops selling everything from fine jewellery and silks to books and medicines. Queen Elizabeth herself was particularly impressed by the goods on display during her visit. She also granted the building a licence to sell alcohol, making it a rather lively place of business!
Sadly, the original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Its replacement suffered a similar fate in 1838 when another devastating fire swept through the building. The magnificent structure we see today was designed by architect Sir William Tite and opened by Queen Victoria in 1844.
One of the building’s most charming features is the golden grasshopper weather vane perched on its roof. This unusual emblem was the family crest of Thomas Gresham and has become a distinctive symbol of the Royal Exchange. Remarkably, the original grasshopper survived both fires and was transferred to the present building.
Today, the Royal Exchange has exchanged its trading floors for luxury shops, restaurants and elegant cafés, but it remains an important part of London’s historic financial district.
For visitors exploring the City, it is well worth a closer look. Why not include the Royal Exchange on a London black cab ‘Secret London’ tour? With a knowledgeable London cab driver/guide to bring its fascinating past to life, you can discover the stories behind this remarkable building, as well as the nearby Bank of England, Mansion House and other historic City landmarks.
See the Royal Exchange on a ‘Secret London’ black cab tour!
BLACK TAXI TOURS OF LONDON
www.blacktaxitours.co.uk info@blacktaxitours.co.uk