The Royal Exchange is one of the most imposing sights in the City of London. Founded in 1566 by Sir Thomas Gresham in an attempt to compete with the dominant Antwerp market, the Exchange was awarded its name by Elizabeth I in 1571, it rapidly established itself as the lynch-pin of the country’s commerce and by the nineteenth century, arguably, of the world’s. The building was twice destroyed by fire and the present structure was commissioned in 1842. Like many historic buildings in the City, it is still a place of work and has for many years housed the Guardian Royal Exchange Insurance Group as well as a number of boutique shops.
