Our history has been shaped by many people over the centuries. We’ve selected a few of the most significant characters, including founder and coffee shop owner Edward Lloyd, and the pioneering Cuthbert Heath.
A selection of the most significant characters
Edward Lloyd
Edward Lloyd ran the Lloyd's Coffee House in Lombard Street in the City of London which became a meeting place for merchants and shipowners. From the habit of their members meeting there, Lloyd's Coffee House spawned Lloyd's of London.
.png)
Admiral Lord Nelson
Progress has always been driven by the bravest among us. Those with a clear vision of the future and the resolve to pursue it, whatever the odds. Admiral Lord Nelson, guardian of our shores and defender of our seaborne trade, was one of those people.
Cuthbert Heath
Cuthbert Heath is a very important figure in Lloyd’s history. He was a prominent and innovative Lloyd’s underwriter and is recognised as being the father of non-marine insurance.
Sir David Rowland
As Chairman of Lloyd's of London, Sir David Rowland guided the 300-year old enterprise through a threatening financial crisis, initiating reforms set in motion in 1993 to save it, thus averting collapse.
John Julius Angerstein
John Julius Angerstein primarily worked in the marine insurance business, as both a broker and underwriter. Angerstein was reputed to be one of the founding subscribers of New Lloyd’s Coffee House in 1771.
Royal moments
Lloyd’s has had a long association with the British royal family. Here are just a few of the most significant moments
1771 founders
This research project traces the links of significant members of Lloyd’s history to the transatlantic slave trade.
Explore more of our history
Catastrophes and claims
It’s only when a claim arises that the true quality of any insurer is properly tested; and time and time again, Lloyd’s has risen to challenges of the most extreme kind.
Our historical link to the transatlantic slave trade
From 1640 to the early 19th century, an estimated 3.2 million enslaved African people were transported by Britain’s vast shipping industry. Lloyd’s was the global centre for insuring that industry. We have undertaken several pieces of research to understand and contextualise our history,
Lloyd's buildings
Today, Lloyd's is based in an award-winning building in Lime Street, London. But the insurance market has been housed in a number of different buildings during its 330-year history.
Back to our history