Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange is one of London’s grandest buildings, and has long been associated with trade and finance. Founded in 1566 by Sir Thomas Gresham, it was originally a center for merchants and stockbrokers to conduct business. Queen Elizabeth I officially opened the building in 1571, granting it the title "Royal Exchange." Over the centuries, the Exchange has been destroyed by fire twice—in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and again in 1838, before being rebuilt in its current form, completed in 1844. Designed by Sir William Tite, the Royal Exchange’s architecture reflects a neoclassical style, with grand Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment at its entrance. The interior features an open courtyard surrounded by elegant arcades, and the building’s grand façade faces the Bank of England and the Mansion House, creating one of London’s most visually striking civic squares. Today, the Royal Exchange no longer serves its original purpose as a financial hub. It has been redeveloped into a luxury retail and dining destination, housing high-end boutiques and restaurants. The redevelopment has successfully blended the building’s historic grandeur with modern luxury, attracting both tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the building’s stunning interior, enjoy a meal at one of the fine dining establishments, or shop at world-renowned brands. The Royal Exchange remains an architectural gem in the heart of the City of London, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history while providing a modern shopping and dining experience. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of the church bells of St. Mary-Le-Bow. The church is positioned a short distance to the west, and legend has it that only somebody born within the sound of the Bow Bells, is a true 'Cockney' or Londoner.