Lloyd's of London

The landmark Lloyd's building, at 1 Lime Street, is arguably one of the most iconic buildings in The City. Designed by architect Richard Rogers, it was officially opened by the Queen in November 1986 and has since won a number of awards, and was named the youngest Grade I listed structure
in Britain in 2011. Most striking are the external features which house all services, lifts, lavatories and staircases in three towers and 12 external glass lifts - the first of their kind in the UK. Once inside, the central atrium rises over 200 feet (60 metres) to a barrel-vaulted glass roof. Occupying the site of the old Roman Forum, the building mixes the old with the new, combining a 1925 facade which can still be seen withing the modern steel structure, visible through
the gates on the northern side on Leadenhall Street. The Lutine Bell, which was struck when a ship failed to arrive at its destination port, stands in the great Underwriting Room of Lloyd's. Other historic highlights include the Nelson Collection which includes a firsthand account of the battle of Trafalgar, and the 18th century Adam Room. Lloyd's is a working building and access is generally for office workers only except for one day each year on Open House London, the capital's biggest architectural celebration which takes place over one weekend in September each year.