Standing here before Broad Street, can you hear the echoes of London’s financial history? This street pulses with tales of merchants, monarchs, and groundbreaking institutions. Broad Street, one of the City of London’s ancient wards, has witnessed centuries of change.
Let’s dive into the story of Broad Street. It’s a story woven with commerce and community. This area was historically divided into ten precincts. Imagine six churches once stood here. Only two still survive today: St Margaret Lothbury and All Hallows-on-the-Wall. St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange vanished in 1840. St Benet Fink disappeared in 1844. St Martin Outwich was lost in 1874. Finally, St Peter le Poer was demolished in 1907.
Broad Street’s boundaries are intriguing. London Wall and Blomfield Street mark the northern edge bordering Coleman Street ward. Liverpool Street defines the northeast dividing line with Bishopsgate. Old Broad Street stretches southwest towards Cornhill. Throgmorton Street forms the southern boundary near the Bank of England. The western edge follows courts and alleys near Moorgate.
Broad Street bustles with commercial activity. Two prominent livery halls stand on Throgmorton Avenue. These belong to the Worshipful Company of Carpenters and the Worshipful Company of Drapers. These companies jointly own the avenue. Broad Street even has a social club for local workers. It marked its 30th anniversary in 2006.
At the top of Old Broad Street, near Liverpool Street station, stood Broad Street station. Sadly, it closed in 1986. It was London’s only major terminus station to permanently close.
Broad Street plays a part in London’s governance. It is one of the City of London’s 25 wards. Each ward elects an alderman to the Court of Aldermen. They also elect commoners to the Court of Common Council of the City of London Corporation. Only Freemen of the City of London can stand for election. Currently, Michael Mainelli serves as Alderman. Christopher Hayward is the Deputy. Shahnan Bakth and Antony Manchester are Common Council representatives.
Broad Street’s name itself is significant. Before the Great Fire of London, it was one of the widest streets within the city walls. Think about that. In 1773, it was already distinguished by its breadth.
The Bank of England’s history intertwines with Broad Street. In 1732, the Bank constructed a grand stone building near St Christopher’s church. Before that, the Bank conducted business in Grocer’s-hall. The original Threadneedle Street front was about 80 feet long. It featured an Ionic order on a rustic basement. A grand gate led to a courtyard and a Corinthian-style great hall. The hall housed a statue of King William III.
Over time, the Bank expanded. It acquired properties east to Bartholomew Lane. It also acquired properties west of that lane almost to Lothbury. New offices were built. These offices featured fluted columns and arched intervals.
The Sun Fire office also has ties to Broad Street. John Povey founded it around 1706. It insured houses and goods against fire. This was a novel concept at the time. The Sun Fire office extended its services beyond the city.
The Navy Pay-office once stood on Broad Street. It occupied the remains of the Marquis of Winchester’s mansion. This building was old but well-suited for its purpose.
The South-sea house was located at the northeast end of Threadneedle Street. It ran back to Old Broad Street. The new building featured a quadrangle supported by Tuscan columns.
Drapers Hall sits on the north side of Throgmorton-street. It was built on the ruins of Thomas Lord Cromwell’s palace. After Cromwell’s execution, the Drapers acquired the property.
Merchant Taylors-hall is located at the east end of Threadneedle Street. Its great hall is known for hosting large assemblies.
Carpenters hall once stood on the south side of London-wall. It faced Bethlehem hospital.
Allhallows London Wall is the only Church of England church entirely within the Ward. The present building dates back to the 18th century.
The Dutch Church has had a presence here since 1550. Protestant refugees were given the site in Austin Friars by Edward VI.
Broad Street. It’s more than just a location. It’s a living narrative of London’s evolution.