A colourful history

Contents Key dates and milestones Lloyd’s buildings Lloyd’s history and tradition

Key dates and milestones

17TH century 1694 The Bank of England is established by William Paterson 1605 Gunpowder plot 1688 First known reference to Edward Lloyd’s coffee house in Tower Street. (London Gazette 18-21 February 1688) 1666 Great fire of London 1691 Edward Lloyd moves his business to Lombard Street

circa 1680 Lloyd's coffee house first appeared in tower street

1688 ships and cargos underwritten

18TH century 1712 1796 1769 C. 1750 1775-83 First steam engine The Committee resolves that two ordinary general meetings should be held each year and an annual report and accounts should be presented 1769 A breakaway group of professional underwriters establishes New Lloyd’s Coffee House in Pope’s Head Alley C. 1750 Beginning of the Industrial Revolution 1775-83 War of American Independence

1771 Lloyd's becomes the property of the subscribers

19TH century 1880s Cuthbert Heath, a prominent Lloyd’s underwriter, writes first Lloyd’s reinsurance policy on American risks for a British company doing business in the US 1805 Battle of Trafalgar 1838 Royal Exchange and many early Lloyd’s records destroyed by fire on 10 January 1837 Victoria crowned Queen of England 1876 Invention of the telephone

1871 Lloyd's act of parliament

1887 First non marine risk underwritten Late 1880s First US risk underwritten

20TH century 1939-45 1998 1903 1912 1969 Second World War In January, government announces independent regulation of Lloyd’s by the Financial Services Authority effective from midnight on 30 November 2001 1903 The Committee accepts first non-marine deposit, establishing non-marine market alongside marine business 1912 Titanic sinks 1969 First man on the moon

1906 San Francisco earthquake

1925 Central fund created 1939 Lloyd’s American trust established

1988-92 a string of losses threaten Lloyd's future Piper Alpha Asbestosis Hurricane Hugo Exxon Valdez Hurricane Andrew European Storms

1994 Introduction of Corporate Capital 1996 Reconstruction & Renewal completed

1997 Lloyd’s returns to its roots, underwriting the world’s largest ever marine risk.

2001 9/11

2002 New franchise proposals approved 2005 Hurricanes Katrina, Rita & Wilma

2006 Equitas – Berkshire Hathaway transaction 2007 Lloyd’s China established

Lloyd’s buildings

1688 Lloyd’s coffee house tower street 1774 The Royal Exchange Cornhill

1928 12 Leadenhall Street 1958 51 Lime Street

1986 One Lime Street A building with a strong image of quality.

Lloyd’s and tradition

The Lutine Bell Traditionally rung to herald important announcements.

Nelson at Lloyd’s From almost his first days in the Royal Navy in 1771, Nelson’s Fortunes were associated with those of Lloyd’s.

Lloyd’s waiters Lloyd’s waiters used to be sent down to the dockside to bring news of the new ships. The waiters can still be seen at Lloyd’s today.

The Adam room Originally designed by Robert Adam in 1763 as part of Bowood House, the Adam Room was inspired by a visit to Rome, leading Adam to create a look of classical antiquity.

The Adam room The whole room was purchased by Lloyd's and now provides a striking contrast with the post-modern architecture of the present Lloyd's building. 

Disclaimer This document is intended for general information purposes only. The information contained within this document is accurate as at 31 December 2008. Whilst all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, Lloyd’s does not accept any responsibility for any errors and omissions. Lloyd’s does not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss to any person acting or refraining from action as the result of, but not limited to, any statement, fact, figure, expression of opinion or belief in this document.