
Royal Exchange, London
Sir Richard Clough, a merchant from Wales and agent of Queen Elizabeth I, was the first to recommend the creation of the Royal Exchange in 1562. The design of the Exchange was inspired by the Antwerp bourse, the first organized commercial exchange in the world. Sir Richard suggested the exchange to his protege, Sir Thomas Gresham.
Sir Thomas had served King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I as agent of the Crown. He was familiar with the Antwerp bourse. In 1565 he proposed the City of London's Aldermen build what would become the Royal Exchange. And he would pay for it.
Queen Elizabeth awarded the building's royal title along with a license to sell alcohol and other goods. Stockbrokers were considered rude and were not allowed in.
The Royal Exchange of today was designed by Sir William Tite and opened by Queen Victoria in 1844. It is an oblong rectangular structure enclosing a courtyard.
It has a portico supported by eight Corinthian columns. The portico is surmounted by a pediment holding a tympanum with reliefs by Richard Westmacott (the younger). The reliefs represent London and foreign traders.
Niches in the courtyard hold statues of Charles II and Elizabeth I. A mounted statue of the Duke of Wellington is in front of the portico. The London Troops Memorial, surmounted by a bronze lion and flanked by two bronze soldiers memorializes London soldiers of World War I.
Sir Thomas had served King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I as agent of the Crown. He was familiar with the Antwerp bourse. In 1565 he proposed the City of London's Aldermen build what would become the Royal Exchange. And he would pay for it.
Queen Elizabeth awarded the building's royal title along with a license to sell alcohol and other goods. Stockbrokers were considered rude and were not allowed in.
The Royal Exchange of today was designed by Sir William Tite and opened by Queen Victoria in 1844. It is an oblong rectangular structure enclosing a courtyard.
It has a portico supported by eight Corinthian columns. The portico is surmounted by a pediment holding a tympanum with reliefs by Richard Westmacott (the younger). The reliefs represent London and foreign traders.
Niches in the courtyard hold statues of Charles II and Elizabeth I. A mounted statue of the Duke of Wellington is in front of the portico. The London Troops Memorial, surmounted by a bronze lion and flanked by two bronze soldiers memorializes London soldiers of World War I.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Royal Exchange on Map
Sight Name: Royal Exchange
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
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