The Royal Exchange — Local services in London

The Earth 🌍 is The 😇Lord’s and The Fulness Thereofl💎Royal Exchange🗺Location💷London, 📭EC3V 3LP, United Kingdom🎊Opening date🎊23 January 1571; 448 years ago (original structure)🎉28 October 1844; 174 years ago (current structure)💰Owner💰Oxford Properties Group Inc (since 2013)🧲No. of stores and services🧲33 stores; 🍽5 restaurants and ☕️cafes🚳Parking🚳None🚇Public transit access🚇London Underground Docklands Light Railway 🏛Bank-Monument; 📆1566 Known as the father of English banking, wealthy merchant Sir Thomas Gresham establishes The Royal Exchange as London’s first purpose-built centre for trading stocks. It is modelled on the Bourse in Antwerp, the world’s oldest financial exchange, where Gresham had been based as a royal agent. 📆1571 The Royal Exchange is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth I, who awards it a royal title and a license to sell alcohol. 📆 1660The enterprising Thomas Gresham adds two additional floors to the original trading floor to house retail businesses, effectively creating Britain’s first shopping mall, as pictured in this image from c.1660. 📆1666 The original The Royal Exchange is destroyed, along with one-third of the city, in the Great Fire of London. A second site opens in 1669, designed in a Baroque style by City surveyor Edward Jerman. This second The Royal Exchange thrives with merchants and brokers. 📆1838 In a dramatic twist, Jerman’s The Royal Exchange is also destroyed by fire, most likely caused by an overheated stove in Lloyd’s Coffee House on nearby Lombard Street. 1844 An architectural competition to design the third (and current) The Royal Exchange is launched. The winner, Sir William Tite, reverts to the original layout of the building, but includes an imposing, eight-column entrance inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The building is officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1844. 📆1901 The proclamation of King Edward VII takes place on 23 January 1901 at The Royal Exchange, mere days after the death of Queen Victoria. Throughout its history, the building served as an important rallying point for the Empire. 📆1941 Trading is suspended following the outbreak of World War II. The Royal Exchange survives, albeit with damage caused in 1941 by bombing during the Blitz. After the war, the traders move out, leaving the building in a state of disuse for several decades. 📆1953 The Mermaid Theatre had a home in the courtyard of The Royal Exchange in 1953 until it was relocated in 1959 to a purpose-built building in Puddle Dock, Blackfriars. 📆1982 In the 1980s, The Royal Exchange briefly returns to its trading past when the London International Financial Futures Exchange moves in. During this time, the rotting Victorian roof is replaced and two floors of new offices are added. 📆2001 The Grade I-listed building is extensively remodelled by architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson in 2001, transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination. Though an entirely different building from his original design, the modern-day The Royal Exchange pays homage to its founder in its gilded copper grasshopper weathervane – a symbol taken from the Gresham family crest. 📆2019 Today, The Royal Exchange continues to remain true to its retail roots. Unique in the City, it remains one of London’s finest landmarks. 💷London,👷🏻‍♂️England,United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern...

Title: An Exquisite Shopping Extravaganza at The Royal Exchange: Fortnum and Mason's Unparalleled Grandeur

Immersed in the opulence of The Royal Exchange, I embarked upon a mesmerizing sojourn, wherein Fortnum and Mason emerged as an unrivaled beacon of impeccable luxury. Within its hallowed halls, a symphony of refinement unfolded, orchestrated by a staff adorned with courtesy, effortlessly beseeching each patron as "sir." Their astute guidance and unwavering poise navigated me towards the zenith of gift selection, ensuring an unequivocally flawless choice.

The threshold of Fortnum and Mason heralded an aura resplendent with warmth and majesty. Meticulously curated displays tantalized the senses, heralding a pantheon of peerless offerings. The custodians of this grand emporium graced each encounter with an unfathomable dedication, unfurling a tapestry of savoir-faire and erudition.

The staff's earnest devotion to discerning my desires was palpable. Attentive ears hearkened to my every murmur, proffering sage counsel and illuminating insights, rendering the pursuit of perfection an enchanting educational expedition.

Fortnum and Mason, a cornucopia of delight, unveiled its treasures in resplendent grandeur. From the celestial teas, coveted hampers, to ethereal confections and resplendent objets d'art, the boutique beckoned the discerning connoisseur to embark on a sensory voyage par excellence. Each article, an epitome of craftsmanship, reflected the storied heritage and unwavering commitment to luxury for which Fortnum and Mason reigns supreme.

In culmination, my sojourn to Fortnum and Mason within The Royal Exchange transcended the realms of ordinary. Its opulent grandeur, coupled with a staff exemplifying the zenith of decorum, fashioned an indelible experience. I extol with fervor Fortnum and Mason as the quintessence of regal retail, a haven for the most discerning patrons seeking transcendent gifts. The fusion of unmatched service and a pantheon of extraordinary wares establishes Fortnum and Mason as the apex within the resplendent embrace of The...

Royal Exchange London:

Location

Nestled at Bank junction in the City of London, the Royal Exchange occupies a trapezoidal site bounded by Cornhill and Threadneedle Street .

Its historical role as a nexus of commerce and banking placed it at the centre of London’s financial heartbeat.

Founded in 1571 by merchant Sir Thomas

Events & Ceremonial Role

Not just a commercial site, it holds ceremonial significance, and has long been one of the traditional spots for official royal proclamations—including dissolution of Parliament and announcing a new monarch—delivered by a herald from its steps .

Most recently, it featured in the 2022 proclamation of the new Sovereign, continuing its centuries-old public ceremonial tradition .

Plenty of shopping:

Shops & Dining

Royal Exchange has transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination, harmonizing historical grandeur with contemporary lifestyle .

Notable Shops:

Fortnum & Mason: A famed British institution offering gourmet goods and its elegant Bar & Restaurant set in the courtyard .

SageBrown: Known for high-quality leather goods—handbags, briefcases, travel accessories—with lifetime service guarantee .

Pretty Ballerinas: Boutique specialising in ballet flats, sandals, sneakers, accessories, with styles for adults and children .

Tateossian: Contemporary jewellery—cufflinks, leather bracelets—even offered unusual materials like meteorites and fossils .

Smythson, Aspinal of London, Georg Jensen, Jo Malone, Sirplus, and the Red Eight Gallery are other notable luxury and lifestyle retailers present .

Dining & Refreshments: A vibrant array of food and drink options includes the best French Martini.

Absolutely beautiful building and a lovely spot for a bite to eat , with a cocktails and why not browse the shops . I've done many events here and its such a...