A pioneering spirit, trusted intelligence and a shared vision for how to build a more secure future have helped Lloyd’s grow into the world’s leading market for specialist insurance. Our unique history is colourful, tempestuous and fascinating, but ultimately about lessons learnt on ways to improve - then, now, and tomorrow - as we work with purpose, sharing risk to create a braver word.
In 2020, Lloyd’s apologised for its historical links to the transatlantic slave trade.
Our apology was accompanied by a commitment to make an honest account of our past a part of the story we tell at Lloyd’s. We have undertaken several pieces of research to understand and contextualise our historical links to the transatlantic slave trade, including an independent research collaboration with Black Beyond Data, based at Johns Hopkins University which was published in November 2023.
Not a breeze can blow in any latitude, not a storm can burst, not a fog can rise, in any part of the world, without recording its history here.
Read about the Lloyd’s market, history and building in the Pocket Guide: our market, our past, our home.
Lloyd’s is the world’s specialist insurance and reinsurance market. With expertise earned over centuries, Lloyd’s is the foundation of the insurance industry and the future of it. For over 330 years, people, businesses and communities have relied on the Lloyd’s market to protect what matters most and we are proud to continue that service today.
Lloyd’s Corporate Archive is freely accessible to the public. The catalogue of our Corporate Archive is available at the London Archives.
Most of the collection dates from 1771, with some deeds dating back to 1585.
Please note that the Captains’ Registers are held at London Metropolitan Archives and the rest of the archive is available at the Guildhall Library.
Read more about our research and response
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The London Archives