Edward Lloyd’s Coffee Shop - 1960s reconstruction

A 1960s reconstruction of how Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House looked like in 1688. In the 17th Century London’s importance as a trade centre led to an increasing demand for ship and cargo insurance. Lloyd’s coffee house became recognised as the place for obtaining marine insurance. From its first beginnings in Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House in 1688, Lloyd’s has been a pioneer in insurance. Starting with its roots in marine insurance, Lloyd’s has grown over 300 years to become the world’s leading market for specialist insurance. From 17th century shipping and Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, through the devastation of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, and on to the emergence of space satellite technology in the late 20th century, the story of Lloyd’s is both a long and an interesting one.