Our history

A unique history

From humble beginnings in a coffee shop by the Thames in the 1680’s, the stories written into our nearly 350 years of history have always been at the heart of making progress.

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.

Milestones that shaped our journey

Coffee and commerce: 1652-1811

As a maritime nation expanded its influence and established trading routes across the globe, Edward Lloyd's coffee shop by the river Thames became the centre of marine intelligence and founded the modern insurance industry.

Explore 1652-1811

Sweeping change, new standards: 1827-1945

As industrialisation and the age of machines brought momentous changes to society, Lloyd’s grasped the opportunities to pioneer innovative new insurance solutions for previously undreamt of risk, from flight to new fangled ‘ships navigating on land’.

Explore 1827-1945

New frontiers and greater risk: 1965-2014

The rise of electronics, telecommunications and computers opened the doors to space expeditions, research and, most importantly, information on the cold truths of a warming planet.

Explore 1965-2014

Building resilience: 2016-

As we better understand the promise of huge advancements in the way we live and work and interact, tempered with the perils of systemic risk, Lloyd’s continues to evolve and build partnerships to create more resilience and greater ability to harness the changes coming in the next chapter of human development.

Explore 2016-present

Discover more from our past

Important people from our past

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.

Discover important people from our past

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.

Discover our research

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.

Discover a selection of historic claims

Pocket Guide to Lloyd’s

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.

Download the Pocket Guide